F1 Spanish GP Live Commentary and Updates – FP3 & Qualifying
Saturday's action from the 10th round of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Friday's action set up an intriguing battle with little to separate pace-setters Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes from the chasing pack, with McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari all in close pursuit.
Causing a surprise in the top 10 were both Alpine drivers, with Pierre Gasly fourth and Esteban Ocon ninth.
FP3 will get under way at 12:30pm local time (11:30am BST) with qualifying following at 4pm local time (3pm BST).
Live Text
Sainz is next over the line, followed by Leclerc, with the Ferraris splitting the Mercedes drivers.
Perez has gone fourth on mediums, ahead of Tsunoda, whilst Russell has gone fastest so far on a set of soft tyres with a 1m13.431.
Stroll team radio: "Can you get me a knee pad for the next run? I have some knee pain."
The Aston Martins did their usual scrubbing of a set of hard tyres before pitting at the end of the lap, but the track is now a hive of activity.
McLaren has managed to get driving equipment to its drivers, who are now getting ready for the session, as Magnussen, Tsunoda and both Aston Martins join the track.
The first sector is a few tenths up on Hamilton but the Mercedes found time in the middle part of the lap.
Verstappen goes second for now, not that these times mean anything.
Hamilton has returned to the pits as Verstappen winds up for his first lap of the session.
So five minutes into the session and only Hamilton has set a lap time.
Verstappen now exits the points on a set of mediums.
Hamilton has remained on track rather than coming in to complete an installation lap.
He is on a set of soft tyres to begin with and sets a 1m14.178s.
Everyone but Hamilton in the Mercedes, that is.
Norris and Piastri are in the garage now.
FP3 is underway! Not that you would know as everyone remains in the garages.
Here's the full story on the McLaren fire:
Verstappen ran a skinnier rear-wing during FP2 yesterday, but is expected to go to a high-downforce configuration for this session.
Just under five minutes to go until the session gets underway. The weather is pretty much perfect for the session.
Red Bull has added a number of upgrades this weekend...
Back to the track action and the field was incredibly close in FP2 yesterday - Hamilton and Mercedes on top.
Photo by: Jon Noble
Before we get ready for practice, a developing story in the paddock.
There has been a fire in the McLaren hospitality unit, with crews on the scene. We will keep you up to date with any developments.
Hello and welcome to coverage of Saturday at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Qualifying is to come later, but first we have the final hour of practice at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
By: Autosport Staff
