While those times came in, and Verstappen appeared to be more comfortable, Lawson’s woes continued as his car sat up on jacks in the garage and Red Bull confirmed a “power unit or power unit system problem on the air side”.
Piastri ultimately finished on top, marginally clear of Russell and Verstappen, who made a mistake exiting Turn 11 on his final soft lap, followed by Leclerc, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and the Williams machines of Sainz and Albon.
Hamilton wound up eighth, in front of Yuki Tsunoda’s lead Racing Bulls car, the other McLaren of Lando Norris (who backed out of a promising lap), Kick Sauber newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and the VCARB O2 of Isack Hadjar.
Lance Stroll led the Aston Martin charge in 14th, from the Alpine of Jack Doohan, the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg and team mate Fernando Alonso, as Haas’ Esteban Ocon and the sidelined Bearman and Lawson brought up the rear.
Drivers and teams will now catch up in the Albert Park paddock for one final debrief ahead of the 2025 season’s first qualifying hour later this afternoon – the grid-deciding session scheduled to get under way at 1600 local time.
