F1-EL3: Hamilton dominates under the deluge in Austin

The heavy rains currently falling on the Austin region in Texas will not have ultimately prevented the third free practice session of the United States Grand Prix from taking place. At the end of this hour of driving, Lewis Hamilton set the best time at the wheel of his Mercedes W06 Hybrid, in more than difficult conditions.

The World Champion, who could win a third title this weekend, achieved a best lap in 1'59 "517 and is more than eight tenths ahead of Ferrari SF15-T Sebastian Vettel. The German was one of the many drivers to go off course during the session, the “main” victim being Nico Rosberg, who hit the barriers at the start of FP3, damaging his front wing.

Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) finished third and remained the last driver below second. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) takes fourth place ahead Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso), Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull), Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari), Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull), Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa (Williams). Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) concluded the ranking in last position, after experiencing an engine problem.

The majority of riders stopped riding less than ten minutes before the end of the session, the rain intensifying again. Qualifications remain scheduled for this evening at 20 p.m. French time, but the rain is expected to intensify. If it becomes impossible to compete in the session, whatever the moment, the grid will be decided according to the classification of free practice 3.