Bahrain GP: Max Verstappen fastest for Red Bull in Practice 3 despite Mercedes improvement

Red Bull and Ferrari have appeared a step ahead of Mercedes throughout pre-season, but the Silver Arrows were able to close the gap in the final practice session before the season gets under way; watch qualifying live on Sky Sports F1 from 2pm

Max Verstappen was fastest in final practice

Max Verstappen continued to set the pace in the final practice session ahead of the opening Grand Prix of the season, but there was encouragement for Mercedes as they closed the gap on Red Bull and Ferrari ahead of qualifying in Bahrain.

Verstappen delivered a 1:32.544 to once more finish ahead of the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, but Mercedes’ improvement was notable as the ‘big three’ teams locked out the front six places, with under 0.6s covering all of them.

The other Red Bull of Sergio Perez was third, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in fourth and sixth respectively for Mercedes, separated by the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz.

There was encouragement for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in P3

More to follow…

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Bahrain GP live schedule on Sky Sports F1

Saturday, March 19
2pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying Build-up
3pm BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
4.35pm: F2 Sprint Race
5.35pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday, March 20
8.55am: F3 Feature Race
10.35am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Bahrain
3pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
5pm: Chequered Flag: Bahrain
6pm: Ted’s Notebook
7pm: Bahrain GP Highlights

Many of our shows will also be simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix.

Saturday’s qualifying will be on the channel from 2.45pm, as well as the F2 Sprint Race (4.35pm) and Ted’s Qualifying Notebook (5.35pm).