George Russell leads Mercedes one-two with Max Verstappen closest rival, 0.477s back; Ferrari also struggle, with Mercedes perhaps favourites for qualifying – which is live on Sky Sports F1 at 9pm tonight
By Matt Morlidge
Last Updated: 29/10/22 8:57pm
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Mercedes pair of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton went quickest during third practice as they bid to secure their first win of the season in Mexico City.
George Russell topped Practice Three ahead of Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City GP as an unexpectedly dominant Mercedes left Red Bull and Ferrari trailing in the final session before qualifying.
Mercedes, who have no race wins and only one pole position this year with only three races left, have been talking up their Mexico chances due to the track layout and the high altitude, and delivered on that promise in P3.
Russell was fastest with a 1:18.399, with Hamilton was just over a tenth off his team-mate.
Their closest challenger, world champion Max Verstappen, was almost half a second off the pace – suggesting Mercedes may even be favourites for pole position in qualifying, which is live on Sky Sports F1 at 9pm.
- Ferrari unhappy with ‘very insignificant’ Red Bull cost cap punishment
- Mexico City GP: When and how to watch on Sky Sports F1 this weekend
“I can’t get over just how quick Mercedes are,” said Sky Sports F1’s Paul Di Resta.
Mercedes will, though, certainly be braced for a bigger challenge from their rivals in Saturday night’s shootout.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mick Schumacher had a big spin in his Haas during final practice at the Mexico City GP.
Verstappen’s fastest lap, 0.477s off Russell, was set on older soft tyres after he backed out of his first flier, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz – 0.7s and 0.9s off the pace for Ferrari – both hit out at the handling of their cars.
Fortunately for Leclerc, he does not have a grid penalty after his big crash in Practice Two.
Mercedes’ only other pole this season so far came in surprise circumstances in Hungary.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ferrari assistant team principal Laurent Mekies and Mercedes engineer Andrew Shovlin has criticised the penalty applied to Red Bull for breaching the cost cap, arguing it won’t affect their rivals that much.
Lando Norris was best of the rest in final practice in seventh for McLaren, ahead of Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas, the last driver within a second of Russell’s benchmark.
Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon rounded off the top-10, with both Alpines missing out along with McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.
Sky Sports F1’s build-up for qualifying starts at 8pm.
Mexico City GP Practice Three Timesheet
| Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1) George Russell | Mercedes | 1:18.543 |
| 2) Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | +0.144 |
| 3) Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.477 |
| 4) Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.724 |
| 5) Sergio Perez | Red Bull | +0.842 |
| 6) Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | +0.902 |
| 7) Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.918 |
| 8) Valtteri Bottas | A lfa Romeo |
Alfa Romeo
Alpine +1.638 14) Daniel Ricciardo
+1.740
Aston Martin +2.078
17) Mick Schumacher Haas +2.199
Williams
Haas +2.872
Apple iPad 7th Gen 32GB, WiFi, Gold - MW762LL/A
$145.00 (as of December 23, 2024 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Intense Variety Pack, Dark Roast Coffee, 40-Count Coffee & Espresso Pods, Brews 7.8oz. and 1.35oz.
$44.60 (as of December 23, 2024 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Daddy's Home Trump Ornament - Funny Trump Christmas Ornament - Donald Trump Christmas Decoration - 2024 Republican Election Keepsake - Trump Gifts - Gifts for Supporter
$14.95 (as of December 23, 2024 19:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Quietsun Stocking Stuffers for Teens Teenage Boys Gifts Ideas Christmas Day Cross Necklace for Men Boys 14 16 18 Year Old Him Birthday Gifts for Son Silver Cross Chain Valentines Confirmation Easter
$14.99 (as of December 23, 2024 19:05 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
