EL3 – Verstappen floats in Istanbul, Hamilton last

Did you think the single-seaters weren't fast on Friday on the brand new ice rink in Istanbul (Turkey)? So you haven't seen the last free practice session, this Saturday, November 14!

The desperate rolling of several Renault Clio Cup to deposit more grip on Friday evening was of no use. In fact, the drizzle, then a more consistent downpour, accentuated the sliding phenomenon. With autumnal temperatures (12 degrees in the air, 13 degrees on the tarmac), the cocktail was there to put the drivers in great difficulty.

More or less controlled skids, slides and spins galore, it was a festival of tricks put on by the 20 drivers. Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Carlos Sainz Jr. (McLaren) did not go far from the impact against the safety rail.

Of the hour of testing, only the first half hour was used by the teams. However, the lessons remain limited. For example, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) did not count a single lap!

It is therefore not a question of drawing hasty conclusions from this session, even if Max Verstappen (Red Bull) continues his dream weekend with a third consecutive best time. Charles Leclerc remains threatening in second row, ahead Alexander albon (Redbull).

The first Renault was that ofEsteban Ocon, 4th, more than five seconds behind the Dutchman. Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) is 14th, Romain Grosjean (Haas), 15th.

The weather is not expected to improve for the qualifying session, scheduled for 13 p.m. French time. If the Race Direction does not decide to postpone the start of this session...