Russell tops FP3 as Hamilton crashes out

Written by Jason Sharp

Russell surprises with P1 in FP3. Credit: Formula One

This is it, the final Saturday of the 2025 Formula One season. As the three title contenders looked to extract the maximum ahead of Qualifying, it was a surprising George Russel who topped the time sheet at Yas Marina, with a time of 1:23.334.

The Mercedes driver edged out championship leader Lando Norris by 0.004 seconds, and Max Verstappen was P3, just 0.124 seconds behind.  

The red flag dramatically came out at the halfway point, as Lewis Hamilton crashed entering Turn 9. The seven-time World Champion’s car bottomed out, causing a 360-degree spin and head on impact with the barrier. The clock continued ticking, and the session resumed with 17 minutes remaining.

Hamilton walks away from his crashed Ferrari at Turn 9. Credit: Formula One

Shortly after, Kimi Antonelli was released from his garage directly into the path of Yuki Tsunoda; the departing Red Bull driver was left unable to continue. This ended an already difficult session after he impeded Norris towards the start of the session.

After missing FP1, Oscar Piastri could only manage P5, being split from his title rivals by a fast-looking Fernando Alonso. Estaban Ocon and Oliver Bearman showed pace for Haas, finishing P6 and P7 respectively.

Charles Leclerc could only salvage P8 for Ferrari after Hamilton’s crash, ahead of Kimi Antonelli in P9, who is under investigation for the pit lane incident. Alex Albon rounded out the top ten.

Looking Ahead 

With the top three being separated by just 16 points, it is currently looking to like advantage Norris. Last years pole sitter and winner topped FP1 and FP2, and has now edged out his rivals in FP3.

Although we don’t know the fuel loads, Russell has proved that Mercedes are in the mix for pole and could cause a headache for the championship hopefuls.

Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver in Abu Dhabi, having five poles wins in the past. But, he has work to do this weekend as he ends a difficult first season with Ferrari, and likely his first ever season without a podium.

The pole sitter in Abu Dhabi has won the Grand Prix for the last ten consecutive years, so thousandths of a second in Q3 could be vital in the championship's outcome. Only time will tell who can grab pole, ahead of the first three way title decider since 2010.