After struggling on the streets tracks in Monaco and Baku, Mercedes were expected to bounce back when Formula 1 hit the more conventional circuit at Paul Ricard for the French Grand Prix.
And that initially seemed to be borne out when Valtteri Bottas led Lewis Hamilton in first practice on Friday morning. But Max Verstappen was then quickest – just – in FP2, before the Red Bull driver laid down a marker in final practice with a time almost three quarters of a second faster than Bottas.
FP3 REPORT: Verstappen lays down the gauntlet for qualifying with stunning lap to top final practice
It was a stunning lap, and sets up the battle for pole nicely once qualifying gets under way later on Saturday afternoon. Hit play on the video above to see all the key moments from the final practice session for this weekend's race.
Next Up
Related Articles
PODCAST: Listen to F1 Nation's Austrian GP preview
ExclusiveCoulthard assesses Hamilton’s chances of 2026 title push
Where Hamilton now ranks among the oldest GP winners
FIA’s WMSC ratifies F1 regulatory changes for 2027 and 2028
ExclusiveRussell reflects on his Mercedes career in photos
The best F1 driver starting XI as voted for by you