Abu Dhabi GP FP3 Highlights: Russell Tops, Hamilton Crashes, & Pit Lane Drama! (2026)

Get ready for a thrilling recap of FP3 in Abu Dhabi, where George Russell claimed the top spot, but all eyes were on Lewis Hamilton after a dramatic crash that halted the session. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Hamilton's spin a mere mistake, or a sign of mounting pressure as the season concludes? Let’s dive in.

In the final practice hour of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, George Russell set the pace with a blistering lap time of 1m 23.334s, edging out championship leader Lando Norris by a razor-thin margin of just 0.004 seconds. Norris’s title rival, Max Verstappen, secured third place in his Red Bull, followed by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in fourth and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri rounding out the top five. And this is the part most people miss... While Russell’s performance was impressive, the real drama unfolded when Hamilton lost control and crashed into the barriers, triggering red flags and ending his session prematurely. Could this setback impact his strategy for the race? Only time will tell.

The session was far from uneventful, as a late-stage collision between Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda in the pit lane added another layer of chaos. Antonelli was released into Tsunoda’s path, leading to a clash that officials will investigate for an unsafe release. Here’s the bold question: Should pit lane protocols be reevaluated to prevent such incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For those eager to relive every heart-stopping moment, the highlights from this action-packed final practice are just a click away. Simply press play on the video above to witness the speed, strategy, and surprises that defined this session. Whether you’re Team Russell, Team Norris, or just a fan of high-octane racing, this is one recap you won’t want to miss!

Abu Dhabi GP FP3 Highlights: Russell Tops, Hamilton Crashes, & Pit Lane Drama! (2026)
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