Japanese Grand Prix: Max Verstappen and Red Bull Dominate Third Practice Session

Max Verstappen drove the fastest time during the last practice session for the Japanese GP. On the Suzuka circuit he was about two and a half tenths faster than teammate Sergio Perez. George Russell completed the top three.

FP3 GREEN LIGHT
Final practice begins – and the World Champion is first out on track #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/0L3gdkvka7
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2024

After only one of the two practice sessions was actually driven due to the rain on Friday, the drivers were given a last chance to prepare as best as possible for qualifying and the race during the third practice session. We saw the drivers quickly take to the track, world champion Max Verstappen was even the first to enter the Suzuka circuit.

Limits = found
K-Mag has a little off-road moment at the hairpin but no damage done and he re-joins the session.
Follow FP3 live : https://t.co/H6BoY2ppCf #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/Q3Z63IgusB
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2024

Given the limited driving time so far, and especially after the rain had reduced some of the grip levels on the circuit, the drivers had to find grip and the limits of the car. We saw a few more mistakes than usual during the third practice session.

You spin us right round, Daniel, right round
The Honey Badger has a small spin at T1 and continues.#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/XdGfu05ssZ
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2024

However, it is only by pushing the limits so fiercely that the drivers can prepare for qualifying as optimally as possible. After all, a mistake during your lap during qualifying has much greater consequences.

Nothing to see here #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/B79nQ97KUW
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2024

During the end of the practice session, the lap times dropped significantly. The track conditions were at their best and confidence in the car was at its greatest.

Now the times are tumbling
Verstappen immediately responds, lowering the benchmark time to a 1m29.563s. Perez goes second.#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/zaLgytdrn6
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2024

Ultimately, Max Verstappen was the fastest, about two and a half tenths ahead of teammate Sergio Perez. Red Bull was at the top with George Russell completing the top three in the Mercedes. Let's wait and see if the competition can still strike back during qualifying.