F1 Mexico GP: Verstappen tops FP3 as Albon challenges.
F1 Mexico GP: Max Verstappen topped the final practice session for the Mexico Grand Prix, with Williams driver Alex Albon impressing to finish second.
The Red Bull driver set a best lap of 1m17.887s, just 0.070s ahead of Albon, who has been one of the surprises of the weekend so far.
Sergio Perez was third for Red Bull, followed by George Russell in the Mercedes and Oscar Piastri in the McLaren.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were sixth and seventh for Ferrari, ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the AlphaTauri and Fernando Alonso in the Alpine.
Lewis Hamilton was only ninth in the Mercedes, with Lando Norris rounding out the top 10 in the McLaren.
Verstappen was the favorite coming into the weekend, and he lived up to expectations in FP3. He was fastest in the opening sector and maintained his advantage over the rest of the field.
Albon was a surprise second, but he has been on form all weekend. He was third in FP1 and FP2, and he looked even more competitive in FP3.
Perez was third, but he was slightly off the pace of Verstappen and Albon. He will be hoping to close the gap in qualifying and the race.
Russell was fourth, and he will be looking to score a podium finish in Mexico. Piastri was fifth in the McLaren, and he is having a strong rookie season.
Leclerc and Sainz were sixth and seventh for Ferrari, but they will be hoping to challenge for the podium in qualifying and the race.
Here is a more detailed look at the top 10 times from FP3:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1m17.887s
- Alex Albon (Williams) – 1m17.957s
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – 1m18.026s
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1m18.057s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1m18.101s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1m18.120s
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 1m18.167s
- Fernando Alonso (Alpine) – 1m18.203s
- Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) – 1m18.224s
- Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) – 1m18.230s
Hamilton was only ninth in the Mercedes, and he will need to find some pace if he wants to challenge for a podium finish.
Norris was tenth in the McLaren, and he will be looking to score points in Mexico.
Overall, it was a good session for Verstappen and Red Bull. They looked to be the quickest team, and they will be the favorites to win the race.
However, Albon and Williams have also been impressive, and they could challenge for a podium finish.
Qualifying will take place later on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see who can take pole position.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
