Miami, EL3: Pérez stands out, concern for Mercedes and Ocon

It didn't take long before a driver was trapped by the lack of grip on the new Miami circuit (Florida) during this third and final free practice session for the Miami Grand Prix this Saturday, May 7 .

After a quarter of an hour under the green flag, theAlpine A522Esteban Ocon finished his session in reverse, against the concrete wall. The Frenchman was taken to the circuit's medical center as a precaution but was able to leave without doctors detecting the slightest injury.

This accident is reminiscent of the release of Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) the day before during Free Practice 2. The Madrilenian had also lost grip by going off the ideal trajectory and had hit the wall in reverse.

Still under blazing heat (more than 30 degrees in the air and 50 degrees on the ground), the fight between the two Red Bull by Sergio Pérez and Max Verstappen at the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc continues.

This time, it was the Mexican who stood out by flirting with the symbolic bar of 1'30''. The Monegasque and championship leader slots himself between the two Red Bulls, 194 thousandths behind Sergio Pérez. On the side of the Scuderia, the battle hurts for Carlos Sainz Jr, who suffers the affront of finishing seventh, behind the Haas of the astonishing Mick Schumacher and seven tenths from his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Also worrying for Mercedes. In good shape on Friday, the Silver Arrows suddenly became feverish. Lewis Hamilton posted a very modest 15th time, and George Russell the 17th time, more than a second and a half behind Sergio Pérez.

Fortunately, it is still possible to count on the veteran Fernando Alonso (Alpine). The double world champion, who believes he has never driven so well in 10 years at the start of the season, is fourth and hungry for revenge after several tumultuous races.

Qualifying will begin at 22 p.m. French time and will be followed live with commentary on AUTOhebdo.fr

Ranking F1 Miami Free Practice 3: