Third Free Practice Results & Report 2024 Dutch F1 Grand Prix

Event: Dutch Grand Prix
Track: Zandvoort circuit

Weather: wet/dry  19.4°C
Tarmac: wet/dry  21.7°C
Humidity : 95%
Wind : 9.0 km/h South

Gasly Tops Disrupted Final Practice at Rainy Zandvoort

The final practice session at Zandvoort ahead of the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix turned into a dramatic and unpredictable affair, as the changing weather conditions and a heavy crash limited the drivers' time on track. Pierre Gasly emerged as the fastest driver in a session where only a handful of drivers managed to set competitive lap times.

Slow Start Under Overcast Skies

The session began with ominous clouds hanging over the circuit, and rain playing a significant role, challenging the drivers to find grip on the slippery surface. The green light signaled the start, but the wet conditions saw most teams hesitating to send their drivers out, waiting for the track to improve.

Early Struggles for Haas and Hulkenberg

Haas took the initiative, sending out Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen on wet tires. However, Hulkenberg's weekend woes continued as he suffered more brake issues, mirroring his struggles from Friday. He briefly ended up in the barriers but managed to limp back to the pits, shedding carbon fiber along the way. Magnussen, on the other hand, managed to keep his car intact and later set the second-fastest time of the session.

Piastri Leads Before Gasly's Late Charge

Oscar Piastri was among the first to switch to intermediate tires, quickly topping the timing sheets with a 1m 24.176s, as the track began to dry slightly. However, his time at the top was short-lived, as Gasly, who timed his run perfectly as the session neared its end, set a blistering lap of 1m 20.311s to claim the top spot.

Sargeant's Heavy Crash Brings Out Red Flags

Drama unfolded when Logan Sargeant lost control of his Williams after touching the grass on the exit of Turn 3. His car slammed into the barriers, suffering significant damage, and even caught fire briefly. Fortunately, Sargeant walked away unscathed, but the incident brought out the red flags, halting the session for a considerable time. This also severely limited track time for the other drivers, including Max Verstappen, who had yet to make an appearance by that point.

Halfway Order

The top 10 order after 30 minutes into this FP3 session was:

1. Fernando Alonso 1:21.461 min (I)
2. Oscar Piastri +0.3.89 sec (I)
3. Lance Stroll +0.480 sec (I)
4. Kevin Magnussen +1.023 sec (I)
5. Max Verstappen +1.826 sec (I)
6. Lando Norris +2.311 sec (I)
7. George Russell +2.497 sec (I)
8. Alex Albon +2.546 sec (S)
9. Valtteri Bottas +3.320 sec (I)
10. Daniel Ricciardo +3.972 sec (I)

Chaotic Final Minutes as Session Resumes

The session eventually resumed with just two minutes remaining, giving drivers barely enough time for one flying lap. Verstappen managed to cross the line with just seconds to spare, but the chaotic nature of the session meant that many were unable to set representative times. Valtteri Bottas secured third place on the timing sheets, but with so many top drivers unable to complete a clean lap, the results of FP3 are unlikely to reflect the true pecking order heading into qualifying.

Quickest Sector Times

The fastest sector times on Zandvoort during this FP3 were:

• Sector 1: 27.933 sec by Piere Gasly with the Alpine A524.
• Sector 2: 27.223 sec by Oscar Piastri with the McLaren MCL38.
• Sector 3: 24.807 sec by Kevin Magnussen with the Haas VF-24.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying

As teams now prepare for qualifying, they face the difficult decision of whether to set up their cars for the wet or dry conditions, with rain continuing to threaten Zandvoort. Qualifying is set to begin at 15:00 local time, and with the unpredictable weather, it promises to be a thrilling session. Fans and teams alike will be hoping the rain holds off long enough for a proper battle for pole position.

The quickest lap time of last year's FP3 was a 1:21.631 min, set by Max Verstappen with the Red Bull RB19 in wet conditions.

FP3 Times Table 2024 Dutch GP

✅ Don't forget to check out our 2024 Dutch F1 Grand Prix preview info.

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