F1 FP3 for the 2024 British GP saw George Russell lead a Mercedes one-two, as the rain-impacted session at Silverstone turned into a showcase for British drivers. Russell narrowly edged out teammate Lewis Hamilton by just 0.035 seconds on a drying track, with McLaren’s Lando Norris rounding out an all-British top three.
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Mercedes in front on Home Turf
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton took centre stage at Silverstone, seizing the top spots in the final practice despite challenging weather. The session began with a damp track, the result of earlier heavy rain and a chilly 16-degree Celsius track temperature. Russell ultimately clocked in at 1:37.529, just a hair ahead of Hamilton’s 1:37.564.
With fans packing the stands, Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were the first to brave the wet conditions on intermediate tyres. As the session progressed, the track became busier, and all 20 drivers joined the action.
Early Spins and Red Flags
Max Verstappen provided an early thrill by spinning at Brooklands, showcasing the tricky conditions. However, Daniel Ricciardo was optimistic, telling his team that the track “will improve quickly” as more cars got involved.
But drama soon struck as Pierre Gasly’s spin into the gravel at the Vale chicane brought out the red flags just ten minutes in. When the session resumed, Ricciardo caught attention again for weaving in the pit lane, prompting an investigation by the stewards.
Changing Conditions and a Late Downpour
As the track started to dry out, Yuki Tsunoda initially set the pace with a time of 1:43.284. Meanwhile, Russell noticed improvements and began to push harder. Valtteri Bottas also experienced the tricky conditions firsthand, spinning his Sauber at Aintree.
By the session’s midpoint, Hamilton led with a 1:38.065, evoking memories of his 2008 wet victory at Silverstone. Yet, it was Russell who eventually took the lead with his 1:37.529 lap time, just edging out Hamilton by 0.035 seconds.
Drizzle Returns to Halt Progress
With about 20 minutes remaining, light rain returned, halting improvements in lap times. VCARB warned Ricciardo that the drizzle might intensify, and Esteban Ocon narrowly avoided a gravel trap while still finding time to improve.
Despite the conditions, Mercedes emerged on top with Russell and Hamilton, while Lando Norris secured third place, making it a strong showing for the British drivers at their home circuit.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 British Grand Prix FP3 session was marked by unpredictable weather, spins, and a show of strength from the Mercedes team. Russell’s lead over Hamilton and Norris’ performance will surely heighten excitement for the race.
This practice session at Silverstone hints at a thrilling race weekend ahead, with Mercedes and McLaren drivers in strong form on their home soil. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating British Grand Prix.
F1 FP3 2024 British GP Times
1 George RUSSELL Mercedes 1:37.529
2 Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes +0.035
3 Lando NORRIS McLaren +0.185
4 Carlos SAINZ Ferrari +0.610
5 Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing +0.864
6 Charles LECLERC Ferrari +0.925
7 Oscar PIASTRI McLaren +1.125
8 Fernando ALONSO Aston Martin +1.411
9 Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing +1.755
10 Nico HULKENBERG Haas F1 Team +1.811
11 Alexander ALBON Williams +2.074
12 Lance STROLL Aston Martin +2.171
13 Logan SARGEANT Williams +2.173
14 Yuki TSUNODA RB +2.291
15 Valtteri BOTTAS Kick Sauber +2.713
16 Esteban OCON Alpine +2.901
17 Kevin MAGNUSSEN Haas F1 Team +3.010
18 Daniel RICCIARDO RB +3.294
19 Guanyu ZHOU Kick Sauber +4.256
20 Pierre GASLY Alpine NO TIME
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FEATURED IMAGE COURTESY OF MERCEDES F1 TEAM – LAT Images