Verstappen Sets the Pace in Free Practice 3
Max Verstappen led the way in the Singapore Grand Prix Free Practice 3, signaling Red Bull’s intent as the night lights illuminated the Marina Bay circuit. The Dutch driver posted the fastest times, with Piastri in close pursuit and Russell not far behind. The early rhythm suggested a competitive session, though the afternoon’s running would be repeatedly interrupted by on-track incidents that dampened any clear, indicative times. Behind the pace-setter, Piastri and Russell traded fast laps, underscoring the McLaren duo’s strong pace and potential for a strong weekend.
Within that mix, a notable name in the fight for position was Hadjar, who showed glimpses of pace before the session was repeatedly interrupted by incidents around the circuit. The interruptions kept the order fluid and left several teams with little time to extract a consistent rhythm as the clock wound down.
As FP3 progressed, the positions at the top were a snapshot of a weekend where strategy, traffic and reliability could decide the final running order. Verstappen’s assurance and calm were evident, a sign that Red Bull is ready to push for a strong result in a track where race wins have historically been elusive for him.
Rivals and Pace: McLaren Pushing, Ferrari Struggles Persist
The second and third places in FP3 pointed to a McLaren that, on pace alone, remains a threat in Singapore. Piastri and Norris have dominated parts of the season, but FP3 reminded observers that Verstappen’s speed can complicate any simple plan. The fight behind the leader was dynamic, with Russell’s pace suggesting Mercedes could be a factor come qualifying, while the session’s interruptions prevented a clean read on the true pecking order.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s afternoon took another twist as he finished eighth and drew the attention of the stewards with a post-session investigation. The incident highlighted the ongoing pressure on the championship contenders, where every little event can ripple across the weekend’s strategy. Leclerc, sitting tenth, also endured a challenging run, with Ferrari needing a strong push to reclaim momentum after a season of mixed results.
Red Bull’s Calm After Horner’s Exit and New Momentum
Across the pit walls, Red Bull appeared to ride a wave of renewed confidence. With Chris Horner’s departure behind them, the team seems to be operating with a refreshed focus and a clearer leadership line. Verstappen’s composure and the car’s reliability hint at a package that could reap benefits in the tight confines of a Singapore street circuit, where every lap counts and a single mistake can cost valuable time. The crew’s energy felt more liberated as they introduced updates that appear to be paying off, aligning with the Dutchman’s intent to chase a strong finish in a race that has historically teased him with less than spectacular results.
Championship Picture: Can a Late-Season Comeback Still Be on the Cards?
The broader title context remains tense. Norris and Piastri have built a lead that makes their McLaren a formidable force, and Verstappen’s resurgence adds a layer of drama. Closing gaps of 44 points to Norris and 69 to Piastri with seven races left is a steep climb, but not impossible in a sport where momentum can shift rapidly. Red Bull’s improvements, combined with strategic racecraft and reliability, keep the dream of a dramatic title chase alive, even as Ferrari searches for a breakthrough that could redefine the championship narrative.
What to Watch for in Qualifying and the Race
Singapore’s night race demands clean laps in practice, precise setup balancing, and a sharp eye on traffic and pit stops. Expect teams to weigh risk versus reward with tire choices and a potential squeeze on development as they focus on the main events: qualifying and the race. The day’s incidents inside and outside the walls remind everyone that Singapore can be unforgiving, but it also offers a stage where a late improvement, a strategic gamble, or a clean lap can alter the trajectory of the weekend.
Notes from the Paddock
The tiny but telling details—like a 10,000 euro Ferrari fine linked to a miscommunication with the pit wall—illustrate how thin the line is between a well-executed plan and a costly error in this race-heavy environment. In Singapore, starting from the front is more than a preference; it’s a necessity. The coming sessions will reveal whether Verstappen can translate FP3’s pace into pole and a platform to take advantage of race day conditions.
