The 2021 Formula 1 season continued its thrilling early pace at the iconic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, as teams and drivers prepared for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The final practice session, FP3, proved to be a pivotal moment for understanding the pecking order and refining setups ahead of the crucial qualifying shootout. All eyes were on the top contenders, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG Petronas, following a Friday of mixed fortunes and intriguing lap times.
Mercedes had initially stamped their authority on Friday, with Valtteri Bottas topping both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 sessions, suggesting a strong start for the reigning champions. However, Saturday morning’s Free Practice 3 brought a significant shift in momentum, signaling that the battle for pole position would be anything but straightforward. The session was critical for teams to dial in their cars, particularly after the overnight adjustments and the slight relaxing of track limits at Acque Minerali, which nonetheless remained a persistent challenge for many drivers.
Verstappen Seizes Control: Red Bull’s Dominant Statement
In a powerful display of speed and precision, Max Verstappen ultimately shattered Mercedes’ practice dominance, setting the fastest time in the final practice session. His blistering lap of 1’14.958 on the soft compound tyres was not only the quickest of the weekend so far but also marked a significant psychological victory heading into qualifying. This performance underscored Red Bull’s potent package and Verstappen’s exceptional ability to extract maximum performance, especially as the track conditions evolved. The Dutchman’s pace was truly eye-catching, demonstrating Red Bull’s serious intent to challenge for victory on Sunday.
Verstappen’s benchmark lap was almost half a second faster than his closest rival, showcasing a commanding lead that few had anticipated after Mercedes’ strong showing on Friday. This dominant performance by the Red Bull ace set a high bar for the rest of the field, highlighting the raw speed of the RB16B and raising expectations for a thrilling qualifying session. It was clear that Red Bull had found a sweet spot with their car setup, giving Verstappen the confidence to push the limits around the demanding Imola circuit.
McLaren’s Impressive Rise: Norris Shines
Emerging as a strong challenger, Lando Norris delivered an outstanding performance for McLaren, securing the second-fastest time. His lap of 1’15.414 was a testament to the significant strides McLaren has made and Norris’s growing maturity as a top-tier F1 driver. The McLaren-Mercedes package appears to be incredibly competitive at Imola, reinforcing their status as a leading midfield contender, often punching above their weight. Norris’s ability to extract such pace from his MCL35M, particularly on the soft tyres, was a clear indicator of McLaren’s potential not just for qualifying but for the race itself.
This impressive showing by Norris also served as a reminder of the fierce competition within the constructor’s championship, particularly with Ferrari and AlphaTauri. McLaren’s consistent presence near the top of the timesheets in practice sessions signals a strong start to their 2021 campaign, and their performance at Imola could be crucial in setting the tone for their season objectives. The team will undoubtedly be optimistic about converting this practice pace into a strong grid position.
Mercedes’ Mixed Bag: Hamilton Pushes, Bottas Struggles
While Lewis Hamilton managed to secure the third-fastest time for Mercedes, he was still over half a second adrift of Verstappen’s ultimate pace. This gap, though not insurmountable, suggested that Mercedes had work to do to close the performance deficit to Red Bull. Hamilton’s consistent pursuit of the limits was evident, but the W12 seemed to struggle slightly more than the Red Bull in finding outright single-lap pace on the softest compound. Nevertheless, Hamilton’s experience and ability to extract maximum performance when it counts remain a formidable factor.
In contrast, Valtteri Bottas, who had dominated both Friday sessions, found himself further down the order in eighth place. His performance on Saturday morning was noticeably off the pace, raising questions about Mercedes’ car balance or tyre management strategies. Despite setting the initial rhythm on Friday, Bottas was unable to replicate that form, finishing eight tenths behind Verstappen’s benchmark. This disparity between the two Mercedes drivers added another layer of intrigue to the upcoming qualifying session, as the team sought to understand and address Bottas’s drop in performance.
Red Bull’s Dual Threat: Perez in the Mix
Completing Red Bull’s strong showing, Sergio Perez secured the fourth-fastest time in the sister Red Bull. His continuous improvement and adaptation to the RB16B were evident, as he consistently ran at the sharp end of the grid. Having both Red Bull cars in the top four highlighted the team’s overall strength and strategic advantage going into qualifying. Perez’s ability to be so close to the front further solidifies Red Bull’s position as a serious contender for the Constructors’ Championship, demonstrating depth in their driver lineup.
Midfield Scramble: AlphaTauri and Ferrari Impress
The midfield battle proved to be as intense as ever, with several teams showing impressive pace. Pierre Gasly once again demonstrated the strong potential of the AlphaTauri, securing the sixth-quickest time. Remarkably, Gasly was the only driver in the top ten to set his best time on the medium compound tyres, indicating impressive underlying pace and excellent tyre management. This performance suggests that AlphaTauri could be a dark horse for a strong qualifying result and potentially points to a flexible race strategy.
Ferrari continued their encouraging start to the season with both cars placing comfortably in the top seven. Charles Leclerc was fifth fastest, just behind Sergio Perez, while teammate Carlos Sainz Jnr was only two tenths slower in seventh. This dual presence near the front is a positive sign for the Scuderia, indicating significant progress from their struggles in 2020. The SF21 appears well-suited to the Imola circuit, and both drivers are maximizing its potential, raising hopes for a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
The session also showcased the incredibly tight competition throughout the field. A mere one second separated Hamilton in third place from Nicholas Latifi in 17th, underscoring the fine margins that define modern Formula 1. This level of competitiveness sets the stage for a dramatic qualifying session, where every tenth of a second will be crucial in determining grid positions.
Incidents and Track Limit Controversies
The challenging nature of the Imola circuit was evident throughout FP3, marked by several incidents and persistent issues with track limits. Just before the half-hour mark, the session was briefly red-flagged when Nicholas Latifi suffered a setback. The Williams driver ran wide on the exit of the treacherous Villeneuve chicane, making contact with the barriers and damaging his front wing. Despite the impact, Latifi managed to nurse his car back to the pits for repairs, eventually rejoining the session. This incident served as a stark reminder of Imola’s unforgiving gravel traps and concrete walls, leaving no room for error.
Track limits continued to be a significant talking point, despite the relaxing of regulations at Acque Minerali overnight. A plethora of lap times were deleted for infringements, particularly at the demanding Piratella corner. Even top drivers like Verstappen, Bottas, Norris, and Fernando Alonso fell foul of these strict regulations, having their fastest laps scrubbed from the timing sheets for running too wide. This ongoing battle with track limits added an extra layer of complexity for drivers, forcing them to balance outright speed with precision.
Other minor incidents included Kimi Raikkonen having a brief excursion through the gravel at the Rivazzas, though he safely rejoined the track without significant damage. His Alfa Romeo teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi, experienced a bizarre spin at the Tamburello Chicane on an out-lap, subsequently complaining about excessively cold tyres, highlighting the difficulties in managing tyre temperatures under cooler conditions.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying
With Free Practice 3 concluded, all focus now shifts to the highly anticipated qualifying session. Max Verstappen’s dominant performance positions him as the favorite for pole, but the consistent pace of Lando Norris and the lurking threat of Lewis Hamilton suggest that the fight will be incredibly close. The midfield promises an equally thrilling contest, with Ferrari, AlphaTauri, and Alpine all showing strong indications of challenging for Q3 spots and beyond. The strategic decisions regarding tyre choices and car setups will be paramount, as teams aim to unlock every last millisecond on the historic Imola circuit. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is shaping up to be a captivating event, and qualifying will be the next crucial chapter in this unfolding drama.
2021 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix third practice result
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Car | Best lap | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull-Honda | 1’14.958 | 18 | |
| 2 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren-Mercedes | 1’15.414 | 0.456 | 17 |
| 3 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1’15.515 | 0.557 | 18 |
| 4 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull-Honda | 1’15.551 | 0.593 | 18 |
| 5 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1’15.738 | 0.780 | 21 |
| 6 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | AlphaTauri-Honda | 1’15.890 | 0.932 | 22 |
| 7 | 55 | Carlos Sainz Jnr | Ferrari | 1’15.908 | 0.950 | 21 |
| 8 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 1’15.908 | 0.950 | 19 |
| 9 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Alpine-Renault | 1’16.186 | 1.228 | 20 |
| 10 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine-Renault | 1’16.228 | 1.270 | 20 |
| 11 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri-Honda | 1’16.230 | 1.272 | 20 |
| 12 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin-Mercedes | 1’16.245 | 1.287 | 19 |
| 13 | 3 | Daniel Ricciardo | McLaren-Mercedes | 1’16.253 | 1.295 | 17 |
| 14 | 5 | Sebastian Vettel | Aston Martin-Mercedes | 1’16.389 | 1.431 | 19 |
| 15 | 63 | George Russell | Williams-Mercedes | 1’16.427 | 1.469 | 20 |
| 16 | 47 | Mick Schumacher | Haas-Ferrari | 1’16.448 | 1.490 | 22 |
| 17 | 6 | Nicholas Latifi | Williams-Mercedes | 1’16.537 | 1.579 | 15 |
| 18 | 99 | Antonio Giovinazzi | Alfa Romeo-Ferrari | 1’16.612 | 1.654 | 22 |
| 19 | 7 | Kimi Raikkonen | Alfa Romeo-Ferrari | 1’16.803 | 1.845 | 23 |
| 20 | 9 | Nikita Mazepin | Haas-Ferrari | 1’17.398 | 2.440 | 23 |
Third practice visual gaps
Max Verstappen – 1’14.958
+0.456 Lando Norris – 1’15.414
+0.557 Lewis Hamilton – 1’15.515
+0.593 Sergio Perez – 1’15.551
+0.780 Charles Leclerc – 1’15.738
+0.932 Pierre Gasly – 1’15.890
+0.950 Carlos Sainz Jnr – 1’15.908
+0.950 Valtteri Bottas – 1’15.908
+1.228 Fernando Alonso – 1’16.186
+1.270 Esteban Ocon – 1’16.228
+1.272 Yuki Tsunoda – 1’16.230
+1.287 Lance Stroll – 1’16.245
+1.295 Daniel Ricciardo – 1’16.253
+1.431 Sebastian Vettel – 1’16.389
+1.469 George Russell – 1’16.427
+1.490 Mick Schumacher – 1’16.448
+1.579 Nicholas Latifi – 1’16.537
+1.654 Antonio Giovinazzi – 1’16.612
+1.845 Kimi Raikkonen – 1’16.803
+2.440 Nikita Mazepin – 1’17.398
Drivers more then ten seconds off the pace omitted.
| Pos | Driver | Car | FP1 | FP2 | FP3 | Fri/Sat diff | Total laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull-Honda | 1’16.622 | 1’16.999 | 1’14.958 | -1.664 | 44 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren-Mercedes | 1’17.935 | 1’16.485 | 1’15.414 | -1.071 | 56 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1’16.605 | 1’15.561 | 1’15.515 | -0.046 | 69 |
| 4 | Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 1’16.564 | 1’15.551 | 1’15.908 | +0.357 | 67 |
| 5 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull-Honda | 1’18.228 | 1’16.411 | 1’15.551 | -0.86 | 58 |
| 6 | Pierre Gasly | AlphaTauri-Honda | 1’16.888 | 1’15.629 | 1’15.890 | +0.261 | 73 |
| 7 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1’16.796 | 1’16.371 | 1’15.738 | -0.633 | 62 |
| 8 | Carlos Sainz Jnr | Ferrari | 1’16.888 | 1’15.834 | 1’15.908 | +0.074 | 77 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | Alpine-Renault | 1’17.457 | 1’16.835 | 1’16.186 | -0.649 | 70 |
| 10 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine-Renault | 1’18.360 | 1’16.817 | 1’16.228 | -0.589 | 67 |
| 11 | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri-Honda | 1’19.781 | 1’16.419 | 1’16.230 | -0.189 | 57 |
| 12 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin-Mercedes | 1’17.489 | 1’16.737 | 1’16.245 | -0.492 | 63 |
| 13 | Daniel Ricciardo | McLaren-Mercedes | 1’17.769 | 1’17.281 | 1’16.253 | -1.028 | 64 |
| 14 | Sebastian Vettel | Aston Martin-Mercedes | 1’17.984 | 1’17.092 | 1’16.389 | -0.703 | 69 |
| 15 | George Russell | Williams-Mercedes | 1’17.866 | 1’17.179 | 1’16.427 | -0.752 | 76 |
| 16 | Mick Schumacher | Haas-Ferrari | 1’19.480 | 1’17.350 | 1’16.448 | -0.902 | 68 |
| 17 | Antonio Giovinazzi | Alfa Romeo-Ferrari | 1’18.058 | 1’16.513 | 1’16.612 | +0.099 | 71 |
| 18 | Nicholas Latifi | Williams-Mercedes | 1’17.739 | 1’16.823 | 1’16.537 | -0.286 | 68 |
| 19 | Kimi Raikkonen | Alfa Romeo-Ferrari | 1’17.883 | 1’17.273 | 1’16.803 | -0.47 | 66 |
| 20 | Nikita Mazepin | Haas-Ferrari | 1’18.823 | 1’17.857 | 1’17.398 | -0.459 | 61 |
2021 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
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