Max Verstappen fastest as Mick Schumacher smash ends FP3

Max Verstappen during free pratice on Saturday in Monaco — Photo: © LAT Images

Monaco Grand Prix

Verstappen fastest as Schumacher smash ends FP3

Ferrari backed up its Thursday pace on Saturday morning in Monaco

Sam Hall

Saturday 22 May 2021 13:03 Updated: 14:34

Max Verstappen set the fastest time in final practice for the Monaco Grand Prix in a session disrupted by crashes for Mick Schumacher and Nicholas Latifi.

After Monaco was absent from the F1 calendar last year, it was once again Verstappen and the two Ferrari drivers that appeared most comfortable on the narrow streets with the Dutchman's lap of one minute 11.294 secs the session best.

Carlos Sainz was second fastest just 0.047s back with Charles Leclerc, the fastest driver on Thursday, trailing Verstappen by 0.258s.

MONACO BITES

The session came to a premature end when Schumacher caused the second red flag of the session after losing control of the rear of his Haas through Casino Square and heavily damaging the entire left-hand side of the car.

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Before this, Nicholas Latifi had caused the red flags to fly after colliding with the barriers on the exit of the swimming pool complex.

The Canadian was 16th fastest prior to his accident but secondary contact with the rear of his car will have Williams concerned over the condition of his gearbox.

HAMILTON AND MERCEDES IN TROUBLE

Valtteri Bottas ended final practice fourth ahead of the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez with Lando Norris leading the McLaren challenge in sixth.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton, however, was only able to register the seventh fastest time with his best effort 0.726s off his session topping championship rival.

Mercedes reported Hamilton had been struggling with the rear end of his W12 meaning the team will face a busy turnaround before qualifying gets underway.

Kimi Raikkonen was a surprise eighth fastest with Pierre Gasly and Sebastian Vettel rounding out the top 10.

In 11th, Antonio Giovinazzi backed up Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo pace and the Italian was followed by Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll.

Daniel Ricciardo's tough start to life at McLaren continued with the Australian only able to finish 13th best time.

Despite his crash, Schumacher was 16th with Fernando Alonso and Nikita Mazepin also ahead of Williams drivers George Russell and Latifi.

Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon rounded out the order with Ocon 2.320s off the pace.