Lando Norris stuns rivals in Singapore Grand Prix FP3 with blistering lap time, Verstappen improves - Results

Lando Norris delivered a standout performance during Free Practice 3 (FP3) at the Singapore Grand Prix, setting a commanding lap time of 1:29.646. This exceptional effort from the McLaren driver left his competitors trailing, with Norris finishing an impressive half-second ahead of his closest rival, Mercedes’ George Russell.

Norris’ dominance on the Marina Bay Street Circuit was particularly notable, as conditions during FP3, held in the daytime, are not fully representative of the night-time qualifying sessions. Despite this, the British driver showcased impressive form, putting him in a strong position for the upcoming qualifying rounds. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also put in a solid performance, securing third place with a lap of 1:30.431.

Max Verstappen improves his Friday performance! 

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has been the benchmark throughout the season, finished in a surprising fourth place, nearly nine-tenths of a second behind Norris. This gap has raised eyebrows, particularly as Verstappen is often a strong contender in practice sessions. However, the challenges of the unique Singapore circuit, combined with Red Bull’s current setup, may explain the slower pace.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who had been just 0.058 seconds behind Norris in FP2, struggled significantly in FP3. Leclerc reported that his car "had no grip," a frustrating issue that left him finishing fifth with a lap time of 1:30.559. His Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, followed closely behind in sixth.

Notably, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez had an even tougher session, finishing down in 15th place with a time of 1:31.440, almost two seconds behind Norris. This performance may prompt Red Bull to make substantial adjustments ahead of qualifying if they hope to improve their chances.

Here’s a full look at the results from Free Practice 3 at the Singapore Grand Prix: