Abu Dhabi GP: Sergio Perez fastest in Practice Three as Lewis Hamilton investigated after red flag incident

Sergio Perez beat Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen to take the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit; Lewis Hamilton is being investigated for failing to slow down under a red flag; watch Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying later on Saturday at 2pm, with build-up from 1.15pm

Sergio Perez beat his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen to take the lead in the final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton was almost penalized for failing to reduce the red flag.

It came as no surprise that the Red Bull constructors were a little ahead of their rivals at the Yas Marina Circuit, but Perez being 0.152s ahead of world champion Verstappen with a 1:24.982 was unexpected.

Mercedes had hoped that the overnight change would help them close the gap on Red Bull after Verstappen’s second lap on Friday, but Hamilton was more than two-tenths off Perez, with team-mate George Russell back in fourth.

Hamilton faces a nervous wait – and possibly a meeting with the stewards – after the session, after he was investigated for failing to slow down when Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri failed to trigger a red flag.

Replays suggested that Hamilton may not have been aware of the red flag when he caught McLaren’s Lando Norris, but the seven-time world champion could now face a grid decision, which could damage his hopes of sealing a first win of the season. the last thing.

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Sergio Perez gains speed in FP3 and beats teammate Max Vertsappen by 0.152s at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Norris, meanwhile, led a strong display from McLaren to take fifth ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with teammate Daniel Ricciardo behind them in eighth.

While the session boosts Perez as he aims to beat Leclerc to second in the drivers’ championship, the fact that it took place in the sun and during the day means that it does not represent the night time Qualifying and the race will be postponed. .

However, the fact that Red Bull looks equally – if not – stronger under the lights on Friday, is a scary sign for its competitors.

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Lando Norris and Sebastian Vettel both report smoke from their wheels in FP3 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ferrari, whose team principal Mattia Binotto is facing ongoing concerns about job security, appeared to be a step behind Red Bull and Mercedes, with Leclerc hearing complaints about his engine in the session.

Why was Hamilton investigated?

The most impressive moment of the session came when the “wheels” that Gasly’s guard was looking at the front right tire flew off the AlphaTauri.

The failure caused the part to contact the tire, causing it to puncture and fly, prompting a red flag.

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Pierre Gasly causes a red flag for the FP3 session after a wheel tip suddenly flew off and caused a puncture.

Hamilton, who initially seemed to ignore the red flag, overtook Norris and Kevin Magnussen, who had already begun to slow down.

During the car show, Hamilton revealed that it was unclear whether he had seen the red flag before passing the two cars.

The 37-year-old was called to see the stewards immediately after the session, with possible penalties for infractions including a grid-penalty.