After the news of the absence of Carlos Sainz due to appendicitis and its replacement with the very young man Ollie Bearman, here we are back on track for free practice 3 in Jeddah, in a weekend that we have already had the opportunity to follow thanks to PL2 and PL1.
The young Bearman surprise: first impressions
Among the first to take to the track in these free practice 3 in Jeddah here it is immediately Bearman, focused from the beginning on the need to find confidence with the machine. The focus then shifts to a simulation of long stint, without looking for the limit of the machine. Concludes in tenth place almost nine tenths behind the leader Verstappen.
Some curiosities about the Englishman: he is the first English driver in Ferrari since the days of Nigel Mansell and the day of his birth, May 8, 2005, Fernando Alonso achieved an excellent second place in Barcelona, contributing to its future first world title. Furthermore, it is the youngest driver ever to drive a car prancing Horse.
Almost halfway through the session, there was a substantial balance on the flying lap between Leclerc, Perez e Verstappen, with the first one ahead by three tenths. Soon after SuperMax imposes itself again with a good 1:28:893 scored with a used soft of 5 laps. The current champion it then improves further with an excellent one 1:28:412.
Still few indications from McLaren and Mercedes, Aston Martin discreet
La McLaren seems to hide and not want to show its full potential during the third free practice this weekend in Jeddah. It places farm Norris half a second away Verstappen. Eighth instead with Piastres 8 tenths from the top.
instead the two Mercedes standard bearers, with 20 minutes to go, they still haven't set any interesting times: Russell is located in sixth position 1 second and 2 tenths away Verstappen, Hamilton è thirteenth 1 second and 8 tenths from the top. At the end of the session Russell he confirms himself on the ball and is room behind Perez. Hamilton it just places itself no no, yet far from full harmony with the machine.
THEAston Martin instead he seems in good shape and sees his standard bearers Alonso e Stroll fit between the two McLaren. Reaching Q3 seems within reach qualification for both pilots.
With 17 minutes to go it is Red flag Zhou who in turn 8 loses control of his car and ends up in the barriers. The pilot gets out of the car illeso and good conditions.
What to expect for qualification
From what was seen during these Free Practice 3 in Jeddah, certainly the Red Bull favorite part with Verstappen candidate for pole e Perez immediately behind him. At the same time, we must report the presence of a Leclerc ready to annoy and insert himself between the two missiles of Newey.
Mercedes, McLaren ed Aston Martin they promise battle, with Russell e Norris probably ahead of the others.
Finally an excellent one Haas seems to lead the scrum group, in which she seems to have awakened the Alpine gasly e Or with respectively twelfth e fourteenth. The great unknown remains the young man Oliver Bearman. All ready for qualifications 18!
