FP3: Verstappen ahead as rain further complicates things

F1 Grand Prix, GP Turkey, Istanbul Park

As if the lack of grip due to the new track surface wasn't enough, more rain during the final free practice session made things even more complicated for the F1 teams. Few laps were done, though Max Verstappen did set the fastest one on intermediate tyres early on in the session.

As a damp track greeted the drivers this morning, the usual installation laps were done on intermediate and wet weather tyres. Most chose for wets, but those that did later came back out on track on intermediates as these proved to be the faster compound at the time.

Max Verstappen emerged on top with the fastest time on intermediate tyres after about 15 minutes, followed by Leclerc and Albon.

After that, rain intensified, and it was clear that the green-marked intermediate Pirelli tyres were no longer sufficient to maintain grip. Some drivers ventured out on full wets, but it was usually only for a few laps. Among them, Perez was fastest.

What followed was a lengthy 30 minutes with hardly any car on track, until 10 minutes from the end, some drivers returned to the track once again. Giovinazzi, Gasly, Kvyat and Hamilton were the first ones to do so. The latter didn't complete any laps on intermediates this session, and few minutes before the end of the session came on the radio stating "there's no grip out there, shocking. It's dangerous".

And with that, the session practically ended. Raikkonen added a few more laps to his tally, but nobody else could be bother anymore.

Surely, some will be anxious to go into qualifying in a few hours' time.