Verstappen Leads the Pack in Singapore FP3 with Piastri and Russell Close Behind
Max Verstappen Dominates Final Practice at Singapore Grand Prix
Verstappen Sets the Benchmark in Singapore
The final practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix concluded with Max Verstappen leading the charge, setting the fastest time of 1m 30.148s. The Red Bull driver narrowly edged out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.017s, with Mercedes’ George Russell completing the top three. This last hour of practice was crucial for teams and drivers to finalize their preparations for the upcoming Qualifying session.
Session Highlights: Red Flags and Strategic Adjustments
Saturday’s practice session offered a stark contrast to the disrupted FP2, where multiple red flags had curtailed progress. Despite a quiet start, the track gradually became busier, with teams primarily opting for medium tires during their initial laps. Early on, Lando Norris made a mark with a leading time of 1m 31.021s. However, a setback occurred when Liam Lawson struck the wall at Turn 8, causing a brief red flag period.
Teams Switch to Qualifying Simulations
Once the session resumed, Mercedes’ Russell and Kimi Antonelli, along with other drivers, switched their focus to Qualifying simulations using soft tires. Alex Albon briefly climbed to second on the timesheets, interrupting Norris’s lead. As the session progressed, Antonelli posted a time of 1m 30.760s. However, Verstappen’s impressive performance saw him reclaim the top spot, despite traffic challenges in the final minutes.
Top Performers and Notable Incidents
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 4 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
Beyond the top five, Carlos Sainz secured the sixth position for Ferrari, while Isack Hadjar delivered a strong run for Racing Bulls. Lewis Hamilton, facing a potential investigation for a red flag incident, finished in eighth place. Rounding out the top ten were Nico Hulkenberg for Kick Sauber and Charles Leclerc for Ferrari.
Ready for Qualifying
The conclusion of practice sees all eyes turn toward the vital Qualifying session, commencing at 2100 local time. With tight margins and track conditions continuously evolving, the competition for the grid positions promises to be intense. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage on Emegypt as we head into an exciting Qualifying session.
