Lewis Hamilton did not set a time in the final rain-hit practice session for Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix.

The soon-to-be seven-time world champion described the recently relayed asphalt at the Istanbul Park circuit as “terrifying” on Friday before persistent rain caused further problems on Saturday.

Hamilton, who can secure his record-equalling title here on Sunday, took to the slippery track for an instillation lap before returning to his Mercedes garage.

“This is as close to driving on ice as you can get,” Hamilton said over the radio. He completed another short trip to the circuit in the closing stages, reporting the conditions as “shocking”.

A number of drivers lost control in the wet, with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz and Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi narrowly avoiding big crashes.

In Hamilton’s absence, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen set the fastest time to complete a practice treble here in Istanbul this weekend.

Verstappen finished 0.945 seconds clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with Alexander Albon third in the other Red Bull.

Valtteri Bottas, the only man who can stop Hamilton from winning the title, finished eighth.

Qualifying is due to get under way at 1500 but there is some doubt as to whether the track will be too dangerous if the rain persists.