Max Verstappen goes fastest in red flagged FP3 of Belgian Grand Prix 2024

Max Verstappen demonstrated his skill and dominance by topping the final practice session (FP3) ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, despite severe disruptions caused by inclement weather. The session, heavily impacted by rain, saw only 14 minutes of actual on-track action, leaving teams and drivers with limited data ahead of the crucial qualifying rounds.

The session began under a drizzle, which soon intensified, creating challenging conditions for the drivers. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin became the session's first casualty, crashing at the notorious Raidillon corner after aquaplaning on the wet surface. The incident occurred just 12 minutes into the session, prompting a red flag to halt the proceedings for the clean-up operations.

The heavy downpour made it virtually impossible to maintain control, increasing the risk of further accidents. Consequently, after Stroll's car was cleared, the session remained paused due to the worsening conditions.

The race stewards made the prudent decision to issue a second red flag, as the track remained too dangerous for competitive driving. This extended pause further curtailed the already brief practice session, with drivers and teams left waiting in the garages, monitoring the weather updates and discussing strategy adjustments for the anticipated wet qualifying.

Ferrari made a quick run in the last moments!

With only two minutes remaining, the green flag was flown again, allowing a brief window for any final laps. However, the limited time and persistently difficult conditions meant that few drivers opted to venture back out.

As the teams now shift their focus to the qualifying session, the heavy rain remains a significant factor. Drivers will need to navigate the slippery circuit with precision and caution, making tyre choices and strategic calls even more critical. The potential for further disruptions looms, adding an extra layer of complexity to what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable Belgian Grand Prix.

Here are the final FP3 results: