Hamilton remains ahead in final practice

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F1 Grand Prix, GP Europe, Baku Street Circuitaz

Lewis Hamilton made it three out of three by topping today's third free practice session. The reigning World Champion though waited until the final minute to set the fastest time, dropping team mate Nico Rosberg to second fastest, just like in every other session this weeked thus far.

Nico Hulkenberg confirmed Force India's strong form by going third fastest. It was however mixed fortunes for the team today, as Sergio Perez copied Daniel Ricciardo's turn 15 crash from Friday to tear of the right rear wheel and making it an early end to his session. Due to the impact, the gearbox was also damaged, requiring a replacement and a 5-place drop on the starting grid.

Felipe Massa at Williams had a similar accident at turn 15, although he came away with scratching the tyre, rather than breaking off the suspension. He managed to continue without problems. His team mate at Williams, Valtteri Bottas, by then was already sidelined as his car incurred serious damage on the right hand sidepod after a cable gutter cover was kicked up when running over it.

Daniel Ricciardo was fourth fastest, ahead of Sebastian Vettel as Ferrari appear to have found a solution to their accelleration struggles they encountered on Friday.

Max Verstappen was 7th fastest, ahead of Button who continued to show strong form in the McLaren Honda. Kvyat and Raikkonen completed the top 10.

Results

Pos.No.DriverCarTimeGapLaps
144Lewis HamiltonMercedes1:44.352-17
26Nico RosbergMercedes1:44.610+0.258s22
327Nico HulkenbergForce India Mercedes1:45.540+1.188s18
43Daniel RicciardoRed Bull Racing Tag Heuer1:45.620+1.268s13
55Sebastian VettelFerrari1:45.630+1.278s20
611Sergio PerezForce India Mercedes1:45.735+1.383s17
733Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing Tag Heuer1:45.901+1.549s14
822Jenson ButtonMcLaren Honda1:45.954+1.602s17
926Daniil KvyatToro Rosso Ferrari1:45.981+1.629s19
107Kimi RäikkönenFerrari1:46.024+1.672s16
1114Fernando AlonsoMcLaren Honda1:46.131+1.779s16
1255Carlos SainzToro Rosso Ferrari1:46.190+1.838s17
138Romain GrosjeanHaas Ferrari1:46.361+2.009s21
1419Felipe MassaWilliams Mercedes1:46.510+2.158s20
1521Esteban GutierrezHaas Ferrari1:46.670+2.318s21
1620Kevin MagnussenRenault1:47.024+2.672s16
1794Pascal WehrleinMrt Mercedes1:47.100+2.748s19
1830Jolyon PalmerRenault1:47.158+2.806s18
199Marcus EricssonSauber Ferrari1:47.328+2.976s14
2012Felipe NasrSauber Ferrari1:47.379+3.027s18
2188Rio HaryantoMrt Mercedes1:47.556+3.204s18
2277Valtteri BottasWilliams Mercedes--1