For the last time in the 2024 season, the drivers hit the track for the third free practice at the Yas Marina Circuit. 

Fernando Alonso, after calling his Aston Martin “the worst ever” on Friday, Alonso sounded more hopeful this time, saying over the radio, “I think it’s going to be a good day.”

Alpine’s Jack Doohan, set to make his F1 race debut on Sunday, was also quick to get started. Although he slid through the final corner and struggled with grip, he managed to post a faster time than his teammate Pierre Gasly on their first runs. 

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, in his final practice session with Mercedes, added some humor by asking for a sticker to be removed from the car, jokingly calling it a distraction.

As the session picked up, Kevin Magnussen took the top spot with a strong 1:24.470 lap. His teammate Nico Hulkenberg also impressed, going third fastest at the time.

Not everything went smoothly for all teams. Smoke appeared from the back of Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, causing concern after teammate Charles Leclerc had already received a grid penalty for energy store change.

George Russell struggled with his Mercedes, calling it “okay, just slow,” while Zhou Guanyu was annoyed with Sergio Perez for blocking him at Turn 3.

Max Verstappen had brake issues, and Leclerc complained about Ferrari’s lack of speed, saying they were “nowhere.”

As the session neared its end, the leaderboard kept changing. Alex Albon briefly took the top spot for Williams, but McLaren stole the show in the end.

Oscar Piastri set the fastest time of 1:23.433, with teammate Lando Norris just behind him. Lewis Hamilton claimed third, followed by Max Verstappen. Carlos Sainz, after getting out of the pits all fixed, rounded the top five.