Image Source: Formula 1
Formula 1 delivered a major surprise in final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, as Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.
Antonelli produced his standout lap late in the one-hour session, recording a time of 1m 36.302s. The result marked the first time he had set the pace during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend and offered Mercedes a welcome boost after what the team described as one of its “toughest Fridays of the season.”
Formula 1 shock as Antonelli finds perfect pace
The final practice session began quietly at 1230 local time in hot and humid conditions. Cadillac’s Sergio Perez was among the first drivers to leave the pit lane, while several leading competitors waited before making their opening runs.
Charles Leclerc initially established the benchmark on hard tyres with a lap of 1m 37.772s. McLaren quickly moved to the front, with Lando Norris going six tenths faster than the Ferrari driver. Oscar Piastri then slotted into second, although he remained three tenths behind his team-mate.
The early order was interrupted by a red flag shortly before the halfway mark. Debris from Ollie Bearman’s Haas was left on the circuit, forcing officials to pause proceedings while the track was cleared. Mercedes, Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton had not yet completed their first serious runs at that stage.
Mercedes delivers a powerful Saturday response
Once the session resumed, the field returned to the circuit in large numbers. Red Bull joined McLaren in using medium tyres for its initial runs, while Antonelli opted for soft rubber and immediately moved into contention with a lap of 1m 36.924s.
Verstappen briefly appeared to be on course for the fastest time after setting the best first sector. However, traffic in the later part of his lap appeared to cost him valuable time, leaving him in fourth position temporarily.
Traffic became an increasing issue as more cars entered the circuit. Hamilton was seen waving his hand after finding himself behind the slower Racing Bulls car of Arvid Lindblad. The crowded track made clean laps difficult, adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of qualifying.
With 15 minutes remaining, Norris and Piastri switched to soft tyres in an attempt to improve their positions. Norris could manage only seventh by the end of the session, while Piastri finished eighth. Aston Martin showed encouraging signs as Fernando Alonso climbed to 12th and Lance Stroll ended the session in 19th.
Antonelli leads Verstappen and Hadjar
The order changed rapidly during the final minutes. Leclerc improved to split the two Mercedes cars, but the Ferrari driver was soon overtaken as Antonelli found even more pace. Verstappen moved into second, 0.278 seconds behind the Mercedes driver, while Hadjar claimed third at a deficit of 0.558s.
George Russell completed a strong session for Mercedes in fourth, finishing 0.610s off his team-mate. Leclerc was fifth, followed by Hamilton in sixth, giving Ferrari a solid but unspectacular showing before qualifying.
The top 10 was completed by Norris, Piastri, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Lindblad. Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto narrowly missed the top 10 in 11th, ahead of Alonso and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
- 1st: Kimi Antonelli – 1m 36.302s
- 2nd: Max Verstappen – +0.278s
- 3rd: Isack Hadjar – +0.558s
- 4th: George Russell – +0.610s
- 5th: Charles Leclerc – +0.714s
Further down the field, Esteban Ocon finished 14th for Haas, followed by Liam Lawson and Nico Hulkenberg. Bearman ended the session in 17th after his car shed the debris that caused the red flag. Carlos Sainz was 18th, ahead of Stroll, Alex Albon, Valtteri Bottas and Perez.
Qualifying now carries crucial momentum
Antonelli’s performance has changed the complexion of the weekend. Mercedes appeared to be struggling after Friday’s running, but the Italian driver’s pace suggests the team may have found a more effective setup overnight.
Verstappen remains the leading threat, particularly over a single lap, while Hadjar’s third-place finish gives Red Bull further encouragement. McLaren, meanwhile, will be searching for answers after Norris and Piastri failed to match their earlier pace on the soft tyres.
Qualifying was scheduled to begin at 1600 local time. With narrow gaps across the top of the field, tyre preparation, track traffic and the hot Malaysian conditions could prove decisive in determining pole position.
FAQs about Formula 1 FP3
Who topped final practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli topped FP3 with a lap time of 1m 36.302s.
How far behind was Max Verstappen?
Max Verstappen finished second, 0.278 seconds behind Antonelli’s benchmark time.
Who finished third in FP3?
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar finished third, 0.558 seconds away from the fastest lap.
What happened to Ollie Bearman?
Debris came off Bearman’s Haas during the session, briefly causing a red flag. He eventually finished 17th.
When was qualifying scheduled?
Qualifying was scheduled to begin at 1600 local time following the conclusion of final practice.
