Max Verstappen heads into the battle for pole position in the Singapore Grand Prix qualification with confidence, following the third free practice. The Dutchman demonstrated his speed on Saturday, just as he did the day before. In the final practice on the street circuit, he even finished first, narrowly ahead of McLaren rival Oscar Piastri.
Different conditions, higher temperatures, daylight; the third free practice times and performances don’t say much about the qualification later this Saturday in Singapore. However, putting down a few good runs can provide useful feedback and a good feeling for the qualification. For instance, Verstappen’s position in such a third free practice is relatively insignificant. More important is the conclusion that could already be drawn on Friday: there is reason to be satisfied with the car and thus hope for a good result.
It takes a while in FP3 before the Dutchman appears on the track. While the rest of the field has been driving around for a quarter of an hour, he is still in the pits. And just as Verstappen shows up, a red flag follows. Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson crashes when he loses control of his car in turn 7. Painful for the New Zealander, as he already caused damage and a red flag with a crash on Friday.”After the interruption, there is still more than half an hour on the clock for the drivers. At that moment, Lando Norris is making a great impression, the McLaren driver is quick after a disappointing Friday. Williams is also doing well with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, as are Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. In the last quarter of an hour, the drivers really get down to business: it’s time to set some fast laps, in many cases, on new soft tires.
Verstappen turns out to be the fastest in the final phase. His rivals can’t match his time, not even title rivals Norris and Piastri. However, the top five of VT3 finish within a tenth of each other. The qualification promises to be very exciting. And Verstappen has a serious chance of pole position.
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