FP3: Verstappen leads Perez and Russell in Japan FP3

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen dominated the final practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, leading a Red Bull 1-2 with teammate Sergio Perez. Verstappen clocked a 1m 29.563s, putting him 0.269s ahead of Perez. George Russell secured third for Mercedes, followed by Lewis Hamilton.

Check out the results of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

The session, which took place in dry conditions after Friday's rain, saw early incidents for Kevin Magnussen and Daniel Ricciardo, both spinning off the track. Teams then shifted focus to qualifying simulations on soft tyres.

Fernando Alonso took fifth for Aston Martin, with Lando Norris in sixth despite a late aborted lap. Carlos Sainz placed seventh, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Yuki Tsunoda captured ninth at his home race, and Charles Leclerc rounded out the top 10.

Alex Albon, struggling with car confidence, led the Williams charge in 11th. Valtteri Bottas finished 12th for Kick Sauber, ahead of Ricciardo. Esteban Ocon’s updated Alpine was 14th, with Zhou Guanyu in 15th.

Nico Hulkenberg struggled in 16th for Haas, ahead of Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll. Logan Sargeant, returning after a crash in FP1, finished 19th, with Kevin Magnussen in 20th.

Attention now shifts to the crucial qualifying session at 15:00 local time.

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