As the 2024 Hungarian GP heads to the business end of the weekend, the drivers head out for FP3. McLaren take the top two with Norris and Piastri and Verstappen in third.
Leclerc Returns to the Track
After his crash during FP2, the Ferrari driver was back on the track and managed to get into fifth place with less than 30 minutes to go. He was pushing from the start, almost sending the car back to the scene of the previous accident during one push lap. Leclerc would finish in 11th and Carlos in 5th.
Carlos Sainz was up in fourth place, however the Spaniard will not be a favourite with HAAS and Nico Hulkenberg, with the Ferrari blocking the HAAS on the build up to a push lap. Both Ferrari’s seemed to struggle for pace especially in the middle sector of the lap. it was beginning to look as though the battle for pole will between McLaren and Verstappen.
Aston Martin Continue to Struggle in FP3
Aston have struggled throughout all Free Practice Sessions, with the team trying to find the optimum balance for the car. This seemed to be a difficult task as both drivers ended up with the upgrades in an effort to get collaboration and more understanding. As FP3 was winding down Alonso was sitting in 12th and Stroll 17th.
Mercedes had Some Pace but still Struggling in FP3
Mercedes has been looking quick all weekend, highlighted by a great lap from George Russell that stuck his Mercedes at the top of the timesheets with a 1:16.564, ahead of Hamilton and Norris.
As the session continued, it became clear that the Mercedes car was not where the drivers wanted it to be, highlighted by a late spin for Hamilton as he exited turn 9, the rear of the car just did not want to behave and spun the 7-time Champion.
Mid-Field Battle Will Be Spicy
Due to several teams not quite getting things hooked up, we could see some shocks in Qualifying. Aston Martin, Mercedes, Ferrari and Redbull were not quite where they want to be, leading to an opportunity for RB, Williams and HAAS to create a shock in Qualifying.
It will be an interesting Qualifying at the 2024 Hungarian GP if this FP3 session is an indication of the pace of the team.
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