Spanish GP: Antonelli tops crash-hit final practice
Summary
Kimi Antonelli edged Charles Leclerc to top a chaotic final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton and Oliver Bearman both crashed heavily. Mercedes looks competitive heading into qualifying.
Kimi Antonelli sent a warning to his rivals ahead of Spanish GP qualifying, topping a crash-hit final practice at the Madring. The championship leader's 1m32.797s lap edged Charles Leclerc by 0.166s, putting Mercedes on top.
Why it matters:
Mercedes needed a strong response after a difficult Friday — and got one. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen could only manage fifth, 0.375s off the pace, as Red Bull's balance issues persist. The session's two red flags also highlighted the punishing kerbs.
The details:
- Antonelli strikes: Improved on his second run after the first red flag to leap from third to P1, just after Leclerc had set a 1m32.963s benchmark.
- Hamilton's crash: Locked up at the final corner, hit the TecPro barrier, and damaged his front wing. The seven-time champion tried to limp back but had to stop at Turn 14, causing the first red flag.
- Bearman's heavy shunt: The Haas rookie lost the rear at Turn 10 late in the session, slamming into the wall. The impact damaged the left side of his car and ended FP3 early.
- McLaren recovery: Piastri and Norris were third and fourth, two tenths off, after a tough Friday.
- Red Bull woes: Verstappen fifth, Lawson seventh after a mistake. Albon touched the wall and sat out the rest of the session.
What's next:
Qualifying starts at 16:00 local. With Antonelli, Leclerc and McLaren all within reach, pole is far from decided.
Original Article :https://f1i.com/news/572858-spanish-gp-antonelli-tops-crash-hit-final-practice.h...