Turkey Grand Prix: Third training session: Pierre Gasly surprises fastest in the rain, Lewis Hamilton 18th – F1journaal.be

Not Max Verstappen but Pierre Gasly set the fastest time during the last practice session for the Turkish Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton was satisfied with the fastest time in 18th place but clearly didn’t risk the rain.

👀#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 # F1 pic.twitter.com/2FPIBNyTxx

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021

Yesterday the drivers managed to complete the first two practice sessions on a dry track, but on Saturday the expected rain came and of course it caused completely different conditions.

AlphaTauris are the first cars to appear

Pierre Gasly leads the way, and soon Lando Norris joins them#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 # F1 pic.twitter.com/WzQccCJ25b

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021

Many drivers have undoubtedly mentioned last year when Istanbul Park Circuit was very slippery and drivers were struggling to keep their F1 car on track. It’s hard to keep the car on track in the rain anyway, but this year’s Istanbul Park circuit has been remedied to make it slip less in the rain than last year (read the article).

It’s slippery there! 😲

Charles Leclerc masterfully grabs the slide and avoids the launch#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 # F1 pic.twitter.com/h675iPXdIU

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021

However, now the drivers are also facing a lot of difficulties and George Russell went off the track in his Williams F1 and ended up in the gravel box. Thus, the session was interrupted briefly with a red flag.

“I’m at the beach, the engine is off” says George Russell.

It’s parked at Turn 2, after turning once it hits power. The session is currently red flagged#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 # F1 pic.twitter.com/0o7DBpGKoY

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021

Max Verstappen was one of the first to get back on track when the session started again and it was clear that the Dutchman was pushing the boundaries at Red Bull with Honda’s special livery.

We’re back on the road, Max Verstappen now on his lap

Parts of the track are starting to dry up but there is still some standing water to be careful of#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 # F1 pic.twitter.com/Lft1W0oEEy

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021

It went a bit wrong because Max Verstappen made an amazing 360 degree rotation. Verstappen can laugh about it himself, as he also told us about the onboard radio.

“Nice 360!” Max says

He completes a circle and continues, as if nothing had happened at all! He is currently in P1#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 # F1 pic.twitter.com/DdCXLxpWxi

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021

In the end, Pierre Gasly scored the surprisingly quickest time, followed shortly after by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull. Looking at the penalty kick, it is clear that Lewis Hamilton did not risk and drove only five laps and the 18th time.