Leclerc ahead in the last training session - fire at Schumacher

Created: 05/21/2022, 14:22

Charles Leclerc from the Ferrari team finished first in practice ahead of Max Verstappen.

© Joan Monfort/AP/dpa

Formula 1 leader Charles Leclerc also set the fastest lap in the last practice session before qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Barcelona – The 24-year-old from Monaco drove his Ferrari in 1:19.772 minutes, just ahead of world champion Max Verstappen, who finished second in the Red Bull, 0.072 seconds behind.

Third place went to George Russell in the Mercedes.

Leclerc has set the best time in all three practice sessions since Friday and is the favorite in the fight for pole position for the Grand Prix in Catalonia.

Three hours before qualifying, Mick Schumacher had to get out of his Haas racing car earlier than planned in the heat of 32 degrees.

The brake on the German's right rear wheel caught fire.

The 23-year-old had to return to the pits after around 15 of the 60 minutes of practice, and the fire was extinguished.

At first it was unclear how quickly his car could be repaired and whether it would be possible to take part in the time hunt without any problems.

His fastest lap was only enough for 19th place. Sebastian Vettel was twelfth in the Aston Martin.

Before the sixth round of the season on Sunday (3 p.m. / Sky), Leclerc leads Verstappen in the world championship standings by 19 points.

One of them has been at the front of every race of the year so far.

Leclerc has won twice, Verstappen has prevailed three times and wants to reduce his deficit in Spain.

Six years ago he surprisingly celebrated his first Formula 1 victory in the north of Barcelona at the age of only 18, since then Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain has won the Grand Prix five times in a row.

dpa