FP3: Sainz tops ultra-close final practice in Barcelona

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz led a tightly contested final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, edging out McLaren's Lando Norris and teammate Charles Leclerc. Sainz's 1m 13.013s lap on soft tyres narrowly beat Norris and Leclerc, who were just hundredths behind.

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

After an FP2 that saw five different teams in the top five, drivers refined their setups for the crucial qualifying session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where race victories often come from the front row.

Mercedes' George Russell set the early pace, but as final qualifying simulations rolled in, reigning champion Max Verstappen posted the fourth best time, maintaining the ultra-close nature of the session where the top five were separated by just one tenth of a second.

Lewis Hamilton encountered minor contact with Aston Martin's Lance Stroll at Turn 5, later admitting it was his error. There was also minor contact between Leclerc and Norris after the session ended.

Sergio Perez, set to endure a three-place grid penalty, placed seventh, followed by Alex Albon (Williams) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin). Oscar Piastri rounded out the top ten, just behind his McLaren teammate Norris.

As teams analyze data ahead of qualifying at 1600 local time, the tight competition promises an exciting battle for front-row positions.

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