Charles Leclerc fastest ahead of Max Verstappen, George Russell in final practice for Spanish GP, Lewis Hamilton fourth

Updated 21/05/2022 at 13:25 GMT

Charles Leclerc was fastest in third practice for the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of qualifying later in the day. The Ferrari finished ahead of Max Verstappen who was second in his Red Bull while Mercesdes doubled up in third and fourth with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton respectively.

Charles Leclerc

Image credit: Getty Images

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fastest in third practice for the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of qualifying later in the day.

World champion Max Verstappen was second in his Red Bull while it was an encouraging session for Mercedes with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in third and fourth respectively.

The German team had been struggling with porpoising for much of the early stages of the season and it hurt them in both straight line duels and around corners.

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The tide appeared to have turned in yesterday's sessions, and Hamilton was again the fastest of the pack on straights during the session.

While Red Bull will likely be content with Verstappen's efforts, they may be concerned with the Dutchman's worries. He complained to his team that, 'The car just doesn't turn at low speeds,' and went as far as describing the car's performance as 'terrible.'

Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz was fifth and the Red Bull of Sergio Perez completed the top six with the big three constructors continuing their dominance.

There was drama elsewhere in the paddock as Mick Schumacher was unable to take part for most of the session and there are suggestions that he may not be able to take part in qualifying.

Smoke came from the German's Haas car and needed attention in the pits, but the problem was so persistent that engineers had to wear masks to combat the smoke.

AlphaTauri also struggled with one of their own cars, as the team reported a fault with Pierre Gasly's vehicle, which also kept him out of practice three.

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