George Russell topped the final practice session for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, narrowly beating championship leader Lando Norris by just 0.004s in a thrilling finish to FP3 at Yas Marina. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the top three, 0.124s off Russell, as preparation intensified ahead of qualifying.

The session featured dramatic moments, rapid track evolution, and a significant crash for Lewis Hamilton, which brought out the red flags.

Slow Start Before Norris Sets the Pace

FP3 began quietly under the intense afternoon heat, with only the Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, plus the Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, taking to the circuit initially.

Gasly opened with a 1:25.984 on Softs, but once Norris emerged on C5 tyres, the McLaren star instantly lowered the benchmark to 1:24.728. Team-mate Oscar Piastri slotted in behind on a 1:25.128, though he was soon displaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who set a 1:24.893 for P2.

As grip improved rapidly, surprises emerged: Haas rookie Ollie Bearman jumped to second, just 0.008s behind Norris, while Charles Leclerc placed his Ferrari third.

Hamilton briefly took P1 with a 1:24.470 before Verstappen began his charge, immediately topping the times on his opening Soft-tyre lap with a 1:24.245.

Hamilton Crashes, Brings Out Red Flags

Norris experienced an early scare when he encountered a slow Tsunoda in the final sector, forcing him into a quick avoidance manoeuvre.

But the major incident came at the halfway mark. Hamilton, pushing on the kerbs approaching Turn 9, appeared to ground out before losing control. The resulting snap of oversteer sent him into the barriers, damaging the front of his Ferrari SF-25 and triggering a 13-minute red flag stoppage.

Late Qualifying Runs Decide the Order

Once the track went green again, teams switched to qualifying simulations. Verstappen improved to a 1:24.116, but Piastri stunned the field, jumping from P18 to P1 with a thumping 1:23.593.

Norris responded with a 1:23.338 despite a twitch in the hairpin, but Russell had the final word. On low fuel and fresh C5s, the Mercedes driver delivered a superb 1:23.334, edging Norris by a whisper.

Verstappen settled for third after further attempts, finishing 0.124s off the top.

Pit Lane Drama: Antonelli vs Tsunoda

There was late drama when Kimi Antonelli was released into the path of Tsunoda. The Rookie Italian broke his front wing but continued after repairs. Tsunoda wasn’t as lucky—sidepod damage ended his session early, leaving him last in P20.

2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Free Practice 3 Results