F1 Live | FP3: Mexican Grand Prix

Max Verstappen impressed on Friday during the first day of the Mexican Grand Prix. Where Mercedes set the fastest times in the first session, the Dutchman was the fastest a few hours later. What will the drivers do in the third free practice session?

LIVEBLOG | Third free practice for the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix

The Red Bull Racing driver is the favourite to win the race at the circuit of Mexico. In recent years the Austrian team has shown that the track suits the car of Verstappen and Sergio Pérez very well. This also seems to be the case this year, as Verstappen set an excellent time on Friday night.

The teams will have their last chance to prepare the car for qualifying on Saturday night, during the third free practice. While Red Bull have found some ways to make Verstappen and Perez faster, Mercedes are also working on the cars of Bottas and Hamilton.

According to several media sources, Mercedes are thinking of fitting Hamilton's car with a new combustion engine. If this is the case the Briton will have to move back ten places on the grid. It will be an extra challenge for Hamilton to stay close to Verstappen. It provides an extra reason to work hard on his speed during the third free practice.

So far in 2021

The 2021 Formula 1 season is one that will feature as a stand-alone chapter in the sport's history book. Perhaps the best season since the turn of the century, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are battling hard for the title. The Dutchman currently has a 12 point lead over the Brit who has seen it all before. Last time out, the Red Bull driver held off a charging Hamilton in the final stages of the United States Grand Prix.

Red Bull arrive at the Mexico circuit as favourites to win. That isn't unusual because Mercedes traditionally struggle here anyway, but this year Red Bull's car has the ability to work well on any track. They've proved that around the world in 2021.