The Formula 1 drivers have benefited very little from the free practice for the Grand Prix of Turkey. On Saturday, no fast times could be set in the third practice session because it rained over Istanbul Park.
Just like on Friday, Verstappen was the fastest in the first two sessions, but he was, for example, twenty seconds slower than in the second session (1.48,485 at 1.28,330). Charles Leclerc (+0.945) of Ferrari and Verstappen’s teammate Alexander Albon (+1.574) at Red Bull Racing completed the top three.
Most riders only drove some laps on intermediates or wets at the start of the training. World Cup leader Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who can secure his seventh world title this weekend, and George Russell and Nicholas Latifi of Williams are the only ones running out of time.
The second training was the only session in which some data could be collected. The drivers then complained about the slippery asphalt, which still prevented them from realizing the full potential of their cars. That was also the case in the first practice, but to a greater extent.
Slippery conditions due to new asphalt
According to tire supplier Pirelli, the slipperiness was due to the new asphalt on the track, the relatively low temperatures (around 15 degrees Celsius), the humidity and the fact that the drivers used the hardest tire.
The Turkish Grand Prix, scheduled for the first time since 2011, continues on Saturday with qualifying at 1 p.m. It is expected to be dry by then. The race starts on Sunday at 11.10 am.
Hamilton equals Michael Schumacher’s record with his seventh world title. The Briton must not lose more than seven points of his lead over teammate Bottas in the race to be sure.
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