FP3: Leclerc tops Verstappen and Sainz in close Australian FP3

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Charles Leclerc led the final practice at the Australian Grand Prix, narrowly outperforming Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz. In cooler, cloudier conditions at Albert Park, Sainz initially topped the times on medium tyres before a switch to softs led to late improvements.

Check out the results of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

Leclerc set the quickest lap at 1m16.714s, just hundredths ahead of Verstappen, with Sainz close behind in third. Mercedes showed competitive form with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell taking fourth and fifth.

Fernando Alonso placed sixth for Aston Martin, followed by Red Bull's Sergio Perez. McLaren's Oscar Piastri ended eighth, just 0.373s off the pace. Lance Stroll and Lando Norris completed the top 10.

After Alex Albon's FP1 crash, Williams chose to have him drive Logan Sargeant’s car for the rest of the weekend, sidelining the American.

The session ended quietly, with all eyes now on qualifying, set to start at 16:00 local time.

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