F1 GP Austria, Free Practice 3: Vettel breaks the Red Bull Ring record

Extremely level values ​​in the third free practice session valid for the Austrian Grand Prix, ninth round of the 2018 Formula One World Championship. After yesterday's Mercedes domination, in fact, Ferrari gave a strong response in terms of performance, with Sebastian Vettel breaking the Red Bull Ring record. The German stopped the clock at 1'04"040, just twenty-two thousandths faster than the reigning World Champion, a sign that this afternoon's qualifying will be extremely balanced, with Mercedes and Ferrari battling it out on the edge of thousandths. Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen also did well, third and fourth separated from the top by just two and four tenths (the Finn was the first to attempt the time attack. ed.).

Completely different story for the Red Bulls, in difficulty and seven tenths away from the top occupied by Vettel. Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo, in fact, finished these three free practices in fifth and sixth position, complaining of serious difficulties in terms of balance (pay attention to tire wear. Ed.). Furthermore, the Dutchman suffered a technical problem with the power unit about five minutes from the end and his participation in Q1 is in serious doubt.

Seventh place for an excellent Romain Grosjean, followed by Kevin Magnussen and Carlos Sainz. An excellent Charles Leclerc completes the top ten, even if the Monegasque, like Verstappen, suffered a technical problem at the end of the session (possible gearbox problem. Ed.). It should be noted that in the middle of the group the levels are extremely similar, with Renault and Haas within just three tenths. Meet at 15.00pm for qualifying on the Red Bull Ring track.

FP3 CLASSIFICATION (60/60 MINS): Advantage Vettel… just #AustrianGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/1egSi3lnwr

- Formula 1 (@ F1) 30 June 2018