Max Verstappen hits back in Spanish GP final practice

Verstappen at the Spanish GP — Photo: © LAT Images

Spanish Grand Prix

Verstappen hits back in Spanish GP final practice

Verstappen is aiming to prevent Hamilton taking pole position number 100

Sam Hall

Saturday 8 May 2021 13:10 Updated: 13:23

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Max Verstappen and Red Bull have struck back in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix after Mercedes dominated the two Friday sessions.

Verstappen arrived at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya trailing Lewis Hamilton by just eight points in the championship standings after three races.

However, after a disappointing Friday, the Dutchman turned up the power in final practice to set a time of one minute 17.835secs, his effort 0.235s faster than Hamilton's best effort.

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Hamilton, who faces a second opportunity to record his 100th F1 pole position this weekend, will now be aware of the challenge ahead of him in the afternoon session.

Ferrari enjoyed another strong session with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both inside the top four, the two drivers separating Valtteri Bottas from the championship protagonists.

Lando Norris took a trip through the turn 10 gravel on his fastest effort so has more pace to unlock from his McLaren with Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen all ahead of Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in 10th.

Despite his strong position, Raikkonen was left licking his wounds as the session came to a close after picking up a puncture on a set of the soft Pirelli tyres, the damage appearing to be caused by the kerbs at turn 10.

After a strong showing on Friday, both Alpine drivers plummeted down the order with Fernando Alonso 11th and Esteban Ocon 13th.

Yuki Tsunoda was 12th, between the Alpine drivers, and Aston Martin once again struggled with Lance Stroll 14th and Sebastian Vettel only 17th.

George Russell appears to have a chance of making Q2 for Williams yet again and was 15th in final practice whilst team-mate Nicholas Latifi also finished ahead of the two Haas drivers.