Perez puts Red Bull on top in final F1 practice of the season

ABU DHABI, Nov 19 — Mexican Sergio Perez pipped Crimson Bull group mate Max Verstappen to the quickest time in Saturday’s closing follow session for the System One season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 32-year-old Perez, hoping to wrap up second place within the general standings behind world champion Verstappen on Sunday, lapped the 5.2-kilometre observe in a single minute 24.982 seconds, 0.152 seconds faster than the Dutchman.

Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.240 seconds adrift of Perez, and forward of Brazilian Grand Prix-winning Mercedes group mate George Russell.

However the seven-times world champion, nonetheless attempting to find his first victory of the 12 months to maintain his report of profitable a race yearly intact, is below investigation for passing two vehicles below red-flag circumstances.

Lando Norris took fifth for McLaren forward of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who’s degree on factors with Perez and the Mexican’s major rival for second within the general standings.

Carlos Sainz was seventh within the different Ferrari forward of Daniel Ricciardo who completed his closing follow session for McLaren in eighth.

Sebastian Vettel, who is asking time on his profession after Sunday’s race, was ninth for Aston Martin forward of Williams racer Alexander Albon who rounded out the highest 10.

Saturday afternoon’s hour-long session was the final probability for groups to dial their vehicles into the observe forward of qualifying in a while Saturday.

The session was briefly halted to clear away particles from Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri after the Frenchman pulled into the pits with a spectacular puncture. — Reuters