After the third free practice session at the Paul Ricard circuit the rest of the weekend looks bright for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Mercedes seem unable to close the gap to the Dutchman at this track, where the German team is normally in charge. This bodes well for the Dutchman's qualifying session, which is scheduled for later in the day.
Max Verstappen was again the fastest driver on track during the final free practice session of the French Grand Prix. He was seven tenths quicker than Valtteri Bottas, and almost a full second ahead of Lewis Hamilton, his direct rival for the title.
It is unclear where the problems for the Silver Arrows come from this time, but Hamilton seems to lack the necessary downforce on this circuit. There are also doubts about the set-up of the car, as the Brit complained about the steerability of his Mercedes during practice. For Bottas, who has the chassis of his teammate on loan, seven tenths behind a Red Bull is an improvement compared to his previous race weekends.
Battle in the midfield
The battle for supremacy on the midfield will also resume in the south of France. Both McLaren and Ferrari came out of the third practice session strong. Carlos Sainz recorded a time that was good for fourth spot, and Lando Norris finished sixth amid a weekend in which McLaren again looks strong.