Formula 1 News: Norris tops final practice for 2025 Japanese GP

Lando Norris turned a lap of 1m27.965s in his superior McLaren to top his teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.026s to lead Practice 3 for the 2025 Japanese GP at Suzuka.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

In a session that was stopped twice for grass fires, George Russell was third for Mercedes, 0.112s behind Norris.

Then there was a gap back to Charles Leclerc in 4th, 0.449s behind Norris, while Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, winner here the last three years, rounded out the top-5, 0.532s behind Norris.Verstappen ran  a lot of laps on the hard tire doing race simulation laps.  His Red Bull Teammate Yuki Tsunoda did likewise, and he was rapid.

Tsunoda’s first flying lap was just one tenth off Verstappen’s, with the Dutchman getting a big tow. While Verstappen did improve on his second flying run, Tsunoda didn’t get a second lap in thanks to the red flags.

He is not far off his teammate so far, but needs to carry that form into qualifying. One thing is for sure, he will have the crowd on his side.

Lewis Hamilton was 6th for Ferrari. Williams’ Alex Albon, the Alpine of Pierre Gasly, Red Bull debutant Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar completed the top 10, with Carlos  Sainz Jr. just missing out in 11th.

Pole Qualifying will be close between the two McLarens, but George Russell cannot be discounted here. He has been quick all weekend as well, and is known as Mr. Saturday for his qualifying prowess.

He has made less mistakes than the McLaren pair – steadier perhaps, but he has also built some good confidence around this track.

2025 Japanese GP Practice 3 Results