Briton George Russell (Mercedes) set the best time in the 3rd free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 22nd and final round of the Formula 1 World Championship, Saturday at the Yas Marina circuit. The Mercedes driver is ahead of the two McLarens of Briton Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri while Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is only 6th. The day before, Russell had already set the best time in the first free practice session of the weekend where ten of the starters on the grid were missing, replaced by young drivers.
According to the regulations, F1 teams are required to give the wheel to their youngsters at least twice during the season, as part of the first test session only. The Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), best time in the second practice session on Friday evening, is 5th on Saturday, behind the Thai Alexander Albon (Williams), 4th.
As for the French team Alpine, its drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished this last session in 7th and 13th places respectively. Qualifications are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. in Paris), at nightfall. The race is scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 p.m. local.