FP3 in Canada: Norris fastest, Leclerc just 78 thousandths behind. Russell third and very close, Hamilton up there too. Poor session for Piastri and doubts for Max
After an electrifying Friday, the third free practice session for the Canadian GP takes place in Montréal. The tenth round of the season brought some surprises yesterday: Verstappen topped FP1, then Russell was fastest in FP2, Leclerc had a crash, and McLaren looked really struggling so far.
Now it’s time for the final practice session ahead of tonight’s qualifying, which will start at 10 PM Italian time.
Session Report
19:30- The free practice session in Canada is over: Norris fastest, Leclerc very close, Russell third. A tight battle between Ferrari, Russell, and Verstappen to challenge McLaren, which does not look unbeatable this weekend. Here are the results:
- Norris 1:11:799
- Leclerc 1:11:877
- Russell 1:11:950
- Hamilton 1:12:050
- Verstappen 1:12:072
- Alonso 1:12:247
- Antonelli 1:12:348
- Piastri 1:12:519
- Sainz 1:12:519
- Albon 1:12:573
19:20- Qualifying simulation done: Norris on top with 1:11.799, Russell 151 thousandths behind, Hamilton 251 behind. Not a good lap for Leclerc, who is only seventh, 8 tenths off. Verstappen 4 tenths behind Lando, Piastri still fifth, 7 tenths off.
19:10-HAMILTON! A flash from the Brit who, on his 13th lap on yellow tyres, sets the fastest time. Meanwhile, a spin for Hadjar at Turn 1.
19:07- Russell on softs goes fastest with 1:12.329. Norris impressive, just 46 thousandths behind but on mediums. Verstappen fourth on C6 tyres, half a second behind and not happy with the RB21. Ferrari showing good race pace on mediums
19:03- Leclerc stays fastest on mediums with 1:12.843, Norris one tenth behind. Alonso third (on softs), Hamilton fourth. Verstappen only ninth, Russell fifth, Piastri thirteenth. Ferrari starts long runs!
18:58-Green flag again! Confirmation from Ferrari: drivers happy with the quali simulation, and the third Power Unit has been installed (same for Mercedes and Aston Martin).
18:53- Red flag due to Piastri hitting the wall. Spin for Hulkenberg too.
18:51- PIASTRI PUNCTURE! The Australian brushes the “Wall of Champions” — result: a right rear puncture.
18:50- Leclerc responds to Alonso! Piastri slots in seven tenths behind the Monegasque, while Norris jumps up to sixth.
18:45- ALONSO! First push from the Aston Martin driver on softs with 1:13.050. Leclerc on track with medium tyres, Hamilton’s turn next
18:40- Very little action so far: Leclerc is on track now, after not running on Friday
18:30- GREEN LIGHT! Session underway.
18:25- Sunshine in Montréal, just moments to go before FP3 starts, air temperature around 22 degrees
Photo: McLaren, Scuderia Ferrari HP
