Carlos Sainz became the third driver to top the timing sheets in Bahrain FP3, amidst a very competitive session.
Ferrari showed some of the SF-24’s potential in Bahrain FP3, going fastest courtesy of Carlos Sainz. They were kept company by several rivals, though.
Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes and Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin all put together strong times.
Across the field, qualifying simulations were the focus. Soft tyres were used almost unanimously, with the brief exception of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
The Austrian outfit opted to save an extra set of soft tyres, perhaps indicating their strategic intentions on race day.
In any case, it was Fernando Alonso who proved the closest pursuer to Carlos Sainz.
The 42-year-old was pleased with the set-up changes to the AMR24, describing himself as feeling “connected” with the car on team radio.
However, only a few tenths separated him from the other front-runners.
A mistake on Charles Leclerc’s best attempt cost him several tenths. There is more to come from the Ferrari driver in qualifying later today.
McLaren was also firmly in the mix, even with Lando Norris losing several tenths at the final corner on his best soft tyre run.
Mercedes were less impressive than their evening laps in FP2 yesterday, although the W15 is still a competitive machine.
Perhaps the biggest difference for the Silver Arrows in Practice 3 was Lewis Hamilton, who seemed slightly less comfortable in the car.
Regardless, the German constructor will be a key player in qualifying later today.
The midfield
Further down in the midfield (if it can still be called up), there was plenty of continuity from last season.
Arguably, the biggest surprise was Nico Hulkenberg in the VF-24.
Despite their pessimistic statements in pre-season, Haas is seemingly in contention for points.
This seems especially likely if their tyre management is more reasonable this year.
Williams and Sauber are in a similar position to last season, whilst Alpine has undoubtedly taken a step backwards.
Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will be threats for the top 10, although perhaps not to the extent some expected.
