Initial Mercedes Dominance
The third free practice in Baku started with Mercedes setting the pace. George Russell led much of the session, but Max Verstappen appeared at the end to steal the top spot.
Pierre Gasly was the first to leave the pits, followed by Valtteri Bottas and Franco Colapinto. A few minutes later, a brief virtual safety car period interrupted the work for track cleaning.
Change of Scenario in the Middle of the Session
Andrea Kimi Antonelli put Mercedes back on top by surpassing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Russell returned with medium tires and took the lead, until he switched to the soft compounds and lowered the mark to 1min44s177.
Gabriel Bortoleto, still on medium tires, was in 18th position. After switching to the softs, the Brazilian rose to ninth, but was surpassed by Oliver Bearman.
Verstappen Decides in the Dying Moments
With little time left, Verstappen recorded 1min43s922, 0.099 faster than Russell. The Dutchman used soft tires in a sequence of eight laps.
Bortoleto finished 13th, ahead of Nico Hulkenberg. Russell and Antonelli completed the session podium.
Final TL3 Classification
- 1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1'43.922
- 2nd George Russell (Mercedes) - +0.099
- 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - +0.111
- 13th Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - +1.932