EL3: Vettel still in the lead, Hamilton is getting closer

Another session won by the Scuderia driver despite the significant progress of the reigning world champion.

Published on 01/09/2018 à 13:14

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EL3: Vettel still in the lead, Hamilton is getting closer

Following a particularly lively free practice session on Friday, the competitors of the World Championship of Formula 1 opted for wisdom on the Monza circuit (Italy). Saturday morning, the third and final session of this type of the weekend saw no off-track events and no vagaries of the weather.

This calm was appreciated by Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), which did not experience any mishaps unlike the day before. The German set the best time of the morning, with a lap on super soft tires in 1’20”509.

Still ahead, of course, but with a smaller gap compared to Free Practice 2. Indeed, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) came only 81 thousandths closer. Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) concedes almost two tenths. The bill is even higher for his compatriot Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), fourth to six tenths.

The struggle between Haas and Racing Point Force India is still tight with a Kevin Magnussen barely four hundredths faster thanEsteban Ocon. The duel is refereed by Charles Leclerc (Sauber) again in the top 10 and once again in front Romain Grosjean (Haas).

Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) dominated his teammate Brendon Hartley (last) with the 12th time. Returning from his terrible crash, Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) finished the session in 16th place ahead of both McLaren.

The only major mishap occurred in the clan Renault. Preyed to a DRS stuck in the open position (the same failure was noted on the Saubers on Friday), Nico Hulkenberg shortened his session and only achieved the penultimate performance (+2”640).