The recent Spanish Grand Prix held in Barcelona saw an exciting FP3 session with some unexpected twists.
- Carlos Sainz thrilled local fans by setting the fastest lap time, boosting hopes for a home pole position.
- A dramatic encounter occurred when Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris clashed, causing possible damage and frustration.
- The session saw several drivers navigating various challenges, including a surprise electrical fire at the McLaren unit.
- With a competitive field, the stage is set for a thrilling qualifying session with minimal time gaps between top contenders.
In the bustling city of Barcelona, the Spanish Grand Prix kicked off with an FP3 session filled with riveting twists and turns. Carlos Sainz, driving for Ferrari, stole the spotlight by clocking the fastest lap, which sent waves of excitement among the home crowd. His top time not only raised hopes for a pole position but also showcased his skill and determination on the track.
However, the session did not go smoothly for everyone. Charles Leclerc, another Ferrari driver, had a tense moment with McLaren’s Lando Norris. While maneuvering down to Turn 7, Leclerc cut across Norris, resulting in reported damage to the McLaren. This incident, which had the hallmarks of road rage, is likely to draw the stewards’ attention.
Earlier in the session, an unexpected electrical fire broke out at the McLaren hospitality unit. Fortunately, the area was safely evacuated, allowing local firefighters to manage the situation efficiently. On the track, as the drivers waited for it to warm up, Mercedes’ George Russell and Lewis Hamilton began their runs, with Sainz positioned between them.
Lando Norris struggled initially but managed to top the leaderboard after switching to soft tires. Yet, frustration loomed as his first flying lap was aborted due to understeer issues. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri faced his challenges as well, losing time at Turn 12 due to oversteer.
As time ticked away, the battle for supremacy grew more intense. Carlos Sainz led the pack by a mere three hundredths of a second from Norris, whereas Max Verstappen and George Russell were not far behind. The top five drivers ended the session separated by only 0.151 seconds, representing a diverse group of constructors, ensuring an electrifying qualifying ahead.
An action-packed FP3 session sets the scene for an exhilarating Spanish Grand Prix qualifying with fierce competition.