Normality returns to Jeddah Corniche, despite the cloud of smoke that blends with the sky. The cars return to the track and the World Championship leader is at the top of the time table. Charles Leclerc led the last free practice with 33 thousandths over Max Verstappen and almost a tenth over the other Red Bull of Checo Pérez. Carlos Sainz was fourth, two tenths behind, which he lost in the intermediate sector. The curious thing, for now, is that the Ferrari of the Madrilenian accuses the ‘porpoising’ more than the one that the Monegasque drives. We will have to see how the Maranello engineers are able to adjust it before the classification that will take place in two hours.
Ferrari engines grow, Bottas was fifth with the Alfa Romeo, although Honda is also ahead. In fact, Gasly was among the fastest until his Alpha Tauri left him stranded at the pit lane exit. Alonso made the ninth registration half a second from the head with the Alpine.
On a track with straight lines and flat feet, the differences between single-seaters seem smaller and smaller. Meanwhile, Mercedes customers round out the standings: 14th to 20th all use a Brixworth engine. Only Hamilton, the 11th, is spared. The podium now seems like a pipe dream for the seven-time world champion.