This is the last time the Formula 1 cars will be on track until the Australian Grand Prix weekend. After a busy two weeks in Barcelona, the teams and drivers have one last chance to record as much data as possible to help give them a strong development path as the weekend in Melbourne edges closer. On Thursday, we saw Mercedes struggle while Ferrari topped the timesheets. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing didn't do any special, but will we see the shackles come off with the C5 tyres?
The line-up (Liveblog below)
Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will get one more chance to drive the new Mercedes car ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. The same can be said about Alex Albon and Max Verstappen as Red Bull also split the final day between their two drivers. Ferrari, however, will do something slightly different. Sebastian Vettel has already completed his pre-season as Charles Leclerc gets a full day in the cockpit.
By their standards, Thursday was pretty poor for the German team. Hamilton was stuck inside the garage for over one at the start of his session. When the six-time world champion eventually got out on the track, he stopped. The new W11 found itself on the back of the recovery truck due to an oil pressure issue. Williams experienced the same difficult earlier in the week.
Liveblog
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Walked past the Merc garage in the pitlane and the blinds are up - that means the engine cover is off, and thát means it's a PU issue.
If you count Williams' engine troubles, that's 4x now a Mercedes engine has failed. Will try to follow up later
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Nico Quarles
@nicoquarles
Scenes back at the Mercedes garage as Hamilton's broken W11 is returned. Plenty of work ahead for the mechanics! 🛠
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