Home F1 Mexico GP: Perez leads Verstappen in FP3 with Mercedes duo behind

Mexico GP: Perez leads Verstappen in FP3 with Mercedes duo behind

06/11/2021

Red Bull led a 1-2 in FP3 of F1 Mexico GP as Sergio Perez was quicker than Max Verstappen, while Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was third.

The slippery run continued in FP3 of F1 Mexico GP as multiple drivers had off moments which included Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso where the oil at Turn 4 caused more slip-ups from the drivers.

The grip issue continued on as well as Red Bull led the way with a 1-2 in FP3 of F1 Mexico GP where Perez (1m17.024s) led teammate Verstappen (1m17.217s) after the Dutchman aborted his final run plan which meant the clear picture wasn’t to be seen.

They led Mercedes duo Hamilton (1m17.675s) and Valtteri Bottas (1m17.708s) where the Brit was surprised by the gap as Ferrari’s Sainz (1m18.029s) was fifth ahead of AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda (1m18.037s) – in a better show from the Japanese.

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo (1m18.121s) was seventh after the F1 team practiced tow with Norris taking a penalty for engine change. The Brit has taken a new ICE, TC and MGU-H, which will drop to the back of the field along with other cars.

The Top 10 was rounded out by AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly (1m18.202s), Ferrari’s Leclerc (1m18.213s) and McLaren’s Norris (1m18.312s), with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll just missing out. The Alfa Romeo pair were next up in 12th and 13th.

It was Kimi Raikkonen ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi, with the other Aston Martin of Sebastian Vettel in 14th ahead of Alpine’s Alonso. The Spaniard had a Top 10 lap in his kitty, but for his off in the final sector which hurt his lap which was eventually deleted.

His teammate Esteban Ocon was 16th but Alpine has fitted new parts in his car too. It is a full package with brand new components of all, including a ninth exhaust. Williams’ George Russell was 17th, with a gearbox penalty against his name too.

Haas’ Mick Schumacher slotted in 18th then ahead of a Williams of Nicholas Latifi, while the other Haas of Nikita Mazepin was 20th.