George Russell topped final practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of Charles Leclerc and the McLarens as a fiercely competitive weekend continued in Baku, with a crucial qualifying up next.
Russell, somewhat out of nowhere for a Mercedes outfit that were adrift of rivals Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull beforehand, went fastest late on with a 1:42.514 thanks to a mega final sector on the long straight.
It was just 0.013s faster than an in-form Leclerc, ensuring three different teams have topped the three practice sessions in Azerbaijan and ensuring a must-watch qualifying, live on Sky Sports F1 at 1pm.
McLaren also hit back in Baku, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both just two tenths off the pace.
Championship leader and Norris’ rival Verstappen was marginally behind in fifth, ahead of the other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and Red Bull of Sergio Perez.
Lewis Hamilton, though, was conspicuous by his absence from the front and could only manage 10th in the other Mercedes, who admittedly sent out their drivers later than most for the crucial soft-tyre runs.
Hamilton slipped behind both Williams drivers, who showed promising pace with Alexander Albon – who earlier in the hour even topped the timesheets – and Franco Colapinto eighth and ninth.
Hamilton’s fellow Briton Oliver Bearman also had a less-than-ideal session.
The stand-in Haas driver, 19, brought out red flags with a crash halfway through FP3, attempting Turn 1 with far too much speed and hitting the barriers.
“I’m sorry,” said Bearman, who is attempting to impress as Kevin Magnussen’s replacement this weekend before he drives for the US team full-time next season.
That was the second red flag of final practice after Esteban Ocon ground to a halt in his Alpine, a team who have struggled for both pace and reliability so far this weekend.
Sky Sports F1’s live Azerbaijan GP schedule
Saturday September 14
12.15pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up
1pm: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING*
3pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place around the Baku City Circuit.
Sunday September 15
8.30am: F2 Feature Race
10:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build-up*
12pm: The AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX*
2pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction
3pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 leaves mainland Europe for Baku and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime