Max Verstappen was almost a second clear of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez as the rain arrived in final practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman trialled a lower downforce set up in the wet conditions and it worked as he went comfortably fastest in Sector 1 and Sector 3 while only going a tenth slower than Perez in the more technical middle sector.
Just as a drier line was starting to appear, another downpour hit Spa-Francorchamps after the 30-minute mark, curtailing much of the action.
Lewis Hamilton’s initial best lap put him third for Mercedes, as Lando Norris was the only driver to attempt a run on slicks after putting himself fourth.
Sun then cloud within a few hundred metres…
Classic Spa! #BelgianGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/xTj3Zf08LZ
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 28, 2021
Esteban Ocon was a solid fifth with Aston Martin well up in sixth and eighth for Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel respectively.
Pierre Gasly had a spin at Stavelot but continued his good weekend in seventh. While George Russell was inside the top 10 in ninth, just ahead of Fernando Alonso in the second Alpine.
Birthday boy Valtteri Bottas was 11th, as Nicholas Latifi suggested Williams could benefit the most from the wet weather in 12th.
Another positive session. Bring on quali ? pic.twitter.com/XeoscvUPyx
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 28, 2021
On the contrary, Ferrari struggled with Carlos Sainz 14th and Charles Leclerc 16th, either side of Mick Schumacher in 15th.
Yuki Tsunoda was 17th, as the two Alfa Romeo’s slumped to 18th and 20th, split by Nikita Mazepin in the second Haas.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the skies with more rain expected throughout the day, potentially leading to a lottery in qualifying.
Full results from Practice 3 can be seen below:
