Lando Norris set the fastest time in the third free practice session (FP3) for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, clocking in at 1:27.965. The McLaren driver led his teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished second with a time of 1:27.991, followed closely by George Russell of Mercedes in third place at 1:28.077.
The session was marked by two red flag incidents due to grass fires along the track, a recurring issue that has raised concerns among teams and organizers alike. The first red flag was raised when the grass caught fire, ignited by sparks from the cars skidding across the track. This was followed by a second stoppage towards the end of the session, preventing some drivers from completing their final laps ahead of qualifying.
Despite the interruptions, Norris managed to put in a strong performance, showcasing his skill and determination. "I saved it. Something broke in the tyre. Oh my God," exclaimed Gabriel Bortoleto, who narrowly avoided a significant crash at the notorious 130R corner. His close call added to the drama of the session, highlighting the risks drivers face at this challenging circuit.
As the session progressed, it became evident that McLaren was in a strong position, with both Norris and Piastri consistently setting competitive times. Norris noted, "I still think we're at the top, but George was very quick this morning, just as quick as us," indicating the fierce competition with Mercedes. The McLaren team has identified Russell as their main rival for the weekend, and his performance in FP3 confirmed their suspicions.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing the session in fifth place with a time of 1:28.497, which was notably slower than his pole time from the previous year. Verstappen commented, "It seems like a lot of things are not really clicking at the moment. It's quite difficult just to put the lap down. You need a lot of confidence and commitment around here, and at the moment, I don't feel like I can use that. So we still have a bit of work to do." His teammate Yuki Tsunoda, making his debut for Red Bull, finished the session in sixth place but was still three tenths behind Verstappen.
The weather conditions during FP3 were relatively warm, with track temperatures ranging from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius and an air temperature of 15 degrees. Wind gusts reached up to 25 km/h, adding an additional layer of complexity for the drivers as they navigated the technical layout of Suzuka.
As the teams prepare for qualifying, the pressure is mounting. Norris leads the championship by eight points over Verstappen, making this session crucial for both drivers as they aim to secure valuable points. With the potential for rain on Sunday, the conditions could change dramatically, impacting the strategies employed by the teams.
In the lead-up to qualifying, the teams have been working diligently to address the issues highlighted during FP3. The FIA has taken measures to mitigate the risk of grass fires by cutting and dampening some patches, but the threat remains a concern. Norris and Piastri's strong performance in FP3 suggests that McLaren is well-prepared to challenge for pole position.
As the session concluded, Norris expressed confidence in his team's capabilities, stating, "It's shaping up nicely at McLaren. We just need to stay focused and keep pushing for that top spot." With the excitement building, fans are eagerly anticipating the qualifying session, which promises to be a thrilling showdown as the drivers compete for a prime position on the grid.
The qualifying session is set to begin shortly, and all eyes will be on the McLaren duo as they look to secure their place at the front of the pack. Can Norris extend his championship lead, or will Russell and Verstappen mount a challenge? The stage is set for an exhilarating day of racing at Suzuka.
