Russell tops final Baku practice with Leclerc and Norris close behind as Bearman crashes

George Russell put Mercedes in the spotlight by setting the fastest time during the third and final practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc followed closely in second, while McLaren’s Lando Norris secured third in a session marred by multiple red flags, including a significant crash for Ollie Bearman.

Following serene weather earlier in the weekend, FP3 presented a different set of challenges with clouds and drizzle complicating the grip levels on the already dusty and slippery Baku City Circuit.

Despite the damp conditions, drivers opted for slick tyres as the session began. Sergio Perez, a two-time winner in Azerbaijan, noted, "it feels a little bit damp," though the calmer winds were a relief.

Initially, the session started quietly as drivers waited for the track to improve. Drama struck early, however, when Esteban Ocon's Alpine stalled in the final sector, forcing him to radio in, "I don’t think I can make it," and ultimately bringing out the first red flag.

Once the session resumed, lap times started to flow despite sporadic rain. Williams drivers Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto momentarily led the timesheets, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg soon joined the fray, placing between the Williams drivers. The Ferrari duo of Sainz and Leclerc seemed poised for improvements until Haas rookie Ollie Bearman crashed at Turn 1, resulting in a second red flag. Bearman, frustrated, exclaimed over the radio, "I’m such an idiot" and "I’m so sorry."

With roughly 20 minutes remaining, the session resumed. Oscar Piastri impressed with a time of 1m 42.749s, leading initially. Leclerc quickly responded by setting a 1m 42.564s, while Norris claimed second, Verstappen fourth, and Russell fifth amid power unit and balance issues.

Russell surged to P1 in the closing moments with a lap of 1m 42.514s, just edging out Leclerc. The McLarens settled into third and fourth, with Verstappen completing the top five for Red Bull. Sainz and Perez followed, the latter involved in a late-session near-incident with Sainz at Turn 15.

Williams’ strong showing continued as Albon and Colapinto concluded in eighth and ninth, respectively. Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top ten in the second Mercedes.

Further down, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Yuki Tsunoda of Alphatauri, Lance Stroll, Daniel Ricciardo, along with Pierre Gasly and Hulkenberg completed the midfield order. Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu finished in 17th and 18th, ahead of the sidelined Ocon and Bearman.

With FP3 complete, all focus now shifts to the thrilling qualifying session lying ahead.

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