F1 News

Vettel crashes in Monaco as Charles Leclerc beats Mercedes to top FP3

25 May 2019 at 12:00
Last update 25 May 2019 at 12:47
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Charles Leclerc topped the final practice session ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix with a 1:11.265. Mercedes couldn't complete their practice dominance in Monaco after Lewis Hamilton topped both FP1 and FP2. Valtteri Bottas finished second, with Hamilton coming third. 

The Ferrari mechanics face a race against time to get Sebastian Vettel's car fixed for qualifying after he went into the wall at Sainte Devote. Meanwhile, Leclerc will be visiting the stewards after he was caught speeding under the VSC. 

How it happened 

Hamilton started the session by watching his mechanics work on the front of his car as they decided on a last minute set-up change.

Alex Albon continued his good form. Toro Rosso, Renault and Williams battled in the first 10 minutes of the session, but Albon came out on top with some good distance between the rest.

The big boys came out and took control of the top of the timesheets, with Bottas leading the way after 20 minutes.

But then, Vettel crashed into the wall at Sainte Devote which ended his FP3 session early. Leclerc was investigated for an infringement under the VSC which his Ferrari teammate brought out.

With the Ferraris in trouble, Red Bull pounced on the chance to take their spot. Both Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly filled the P3 and P4 places with just 0.300 behind the fastest car.

When the drivers started to push it was Leclerc who took the top spot. The two Renault boys made their first mark across the weekend when they put on the soft tyres. With 15 minutes to go, Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo lifted themselves up to P6 and P7 respectively. 

Hamilton looked like he was going to do another fastest lap at the end of the session, but he pulled into the pits after just one lap.