2024 F1 Round 10, Spanish GP FP3: Sainz Fastest in 1:13.013, Top Four Covered by 0.074 Seconds as Two Pairs of Drivers Make Contact

The third free practice session for the 2024 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Round 10 of the season, took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the evening of 22 June, Beijing time. Carlos Sainz, aiming for his first podium at his home Grand Prix, led with a 1:13.013. Lando Norris was second, 0.030 seconds behind, followed by Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Just 0.074 seconds separated the top four, setting up an intense battle in qualifying.

Mercedes slipped slightly behind the leading group, with George Russell fifth, 0.15 seconds off the pace, and Lewis Hamilton sixth. There was then a clear gap of nearly four tenths to seventh-placed Sergio Pérez, who was due to take a three-place grid penalty for an incident at the Canadian Grand Prix. With 30 of the circuit’s previous 33 Grands Prix won from the front row, the value of pole was clear: Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren were closely matched, while Mercedes also had the potential to contend.

The second half of the session brought a series of incidents. Russell and Lance Stroll first complained over the radio of knee pain and asked their teams to prepare knee padding, with the lateral loads through fast corners such as Turns 3 and 9 placing strain on their legs. Near the end, Stroll and Hamilton made light contact. Hamilton raised a hand in apology, but an angry Stroll complained that his rival “thinks he’s alone on the track”. Norris and Leclerc also made contact at Turn 6, with Norris reporting that his car “probably has damage”.

Alpine maintained its strong Friday form, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly 11th and 12th. Alexander Albon’s eighth place in FP3 also stood out, while Oscar Piastri was only tenth.

RB continued to struggle despite its upgrades. Daniel Ricciardo was 16th and Yuki Tsunoda 18th, leaving both cars close to the Q1 elimination zone. The session’s repeated contact and congestion provided a warning: traffic management could be another major variable in qualifying.

Qualifying is scheduled for the evening of 22 June, Beijing time.