Triple world champion Max Verstappen lapped fastest for Red Bull in a red-flagged final practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday as Oliver Bearman prepared for his Formula One race debut with Ferrari by going an impressive 10th fastest.
Britain's Bearman, 18 and the Italian team's youngest ever rookie, was drafted in to replace Carlos Sainz after the Spaniard was hit by appendicitis and required surgery.
The session was halted for 10 minutes when Sauber's Guanyu Zhou crashed heavily into the wall at turn five, the track reopening with just enough time for a flying lap.
Verstappen, winner of the Bahrain opener last Saturday, produced a best time of 1:28.412 with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc 0.196 slower and Red Bull's Sergio Perez third on the time sheets.
George Russell lapped fourth quickest for Mercedes with McLaren's Lando Norris fifth and Fernando Alonso sixth for Aston Martin.
Spaniard Alonso, 42, made hi Formula One debut in 2001 and with Renault was standing on the podium as second placed finisher in his home grand prix on the day Bearman was born.
Lance Stroll was seventh, also for Aston, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri eighth and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ninth for Mercedes.
Britain's Bearman, Ferrari's youngest rookie at 18 years old, did 22 laps with a best time of 1:29.306, 0.698 seconds off Leclerc's time.
The race is being held on Saturday to accommodate Ramadan, which starts on Sunday.
Verstappen fastest in final Saudi GP practice session
Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Triple world champion Max Verstappen lapped fastest for Red Bull in a red-flagged final practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday as Oliver Bearman prepared for his Formula One race debut with Ferrari by going an impressive 10th fastest.
Britain's Bearman, 18 and the Italian team's youngest ever rookie, was drafted in to replace Carlos Sainz after the Spaniard was hit by appendicitis and required surgery.
The session was halted for 10 minutes when Sauber's Guanyu Zhou crashed heavily into the wall at turn five, the track reopening with just enough time for a flying lap.
Verstappen, winner of the Bahrain opener last Saturday, produced a best time of 1:28.412 with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc 0.196 slower and Red Bull's Sergio Perez third on the time sheets.
George Russell lapped fourth quickest for Mercedes with McLaren's Lando Norris fifth and Fernando Alonso sixth for Aston Martin.
Spaniard Alonso, 42, made hi Formula One debut in 2001 and with Renault was standing on the podium as second placed finisher in his home grand prix on the day Bearman was born.
Lance Stroll was seventh, also for Aston, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri eighth and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ninth for Mercedes.
Britain's Bearman, Ferrari's youngest rookie at 18 years old, did 22 laps with a best time of 1:29.306, 0.698 seconds off Leclerc's time.
The race is being held on Saturday to accommodate Ramadan, which starts on Sunday.
READ MORE
Audi to take 100% ownership of Sauber F1 team
Bearman makes Ferrari F1 debut after Sainz struck by appendicitis
Alonso puts Aston Martin on top in second Saudi GP practice
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos