Belgian GP: Sergio Perez leads Red Bull one-two in Practice Three as Charles Leclerc crashes into fence

Red Bull maintained dominance as Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen comfortably edged their rivals; Charles Leclerc appears to have escaped major damage after crashing into a fence; Watch Belgian GP qualifying live on Sky Sports F1 at 3pm on Saturday, broadcast from 2pm

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Charles Leclerc spins his Ferrari during round 3 practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez led Red Bull one of two in the final game at the Belgian GP, ​​before Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc narrowly escaped major damage when he crashed into the fence.

World champion frontman Verstappen looked set to repeat his dominance in Practice Two until Perez made it 1:45,047 in the closing moments of the session to partially outperform his team-mates. ten.

The burst of late pace from Red Bull, which also saw Verstappen increase the advantage he held for much of the session, came after Leclerc once again lost control of his Ferrari to turn over. gravel and made contact with the fence in Turn 12 .

Monegasque, who was 80 points behind Verstappen in the world championship largely due to the fault of both teammates and the driver, managed to keep his car running and returned to the hole despite immediately waving a red flag.

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Red Bull’s Sergio Perez tops the table with the fastest third lap in practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Perez’s belated display of power is particularly significant as Verstappen and Leclerc – along with five other drivers – are facing penalties for getting new engine parts that would see them start in the rear of the car. grid.

With Mercedes once again catching up with George Russell sixth and Lewis Hamilton 12th, Perez will appear for a penalty shootout in pole position later on Saturday with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in third.

More to follow…