2024 Japanese Grand Prix - Free Practice 3 Results & Summary

In FP3, Max Verstappen again topped the timing sheets, confirming his position as the favorite for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix victory.

The conditions were dry for the FP3 session, which meant all teams headed out right on track. Everyone had a very busy schedule, as the FP2 in damp conditions didn't allow teams to really run through their testing programs.

Red Bull had something to work on right from the start of the session. Verstappen complained about his mirrors vibrating, and Sergio Perez said his car was struggling on low-speed corners.

Red Bull was one of the teams that didn't even have the opportunity to practice long runs, so it was one of the team's priorities when the session started.

As they moved on the softest compound tire, both Red Bull drivers confirmed their team's dominant position at Suzuka Circuit, getting P1 and P2.

Lewis Hamilton said after two practice sessions that his car felt the best it had ever felt, and Mercedes continued to show a much stronger pace than during the first three weekends with P3 for George Russell and P4 for the seven-time World Champion.

McLaren and Aston Martin might also be in the mix in the battle for top positions, as Fernando Alonso, with both papaya drivers, put in faster times than Ferrari.

The results of FP3 might be a bit worrying for Scuderia fans as the team from Maranello looked much faster compared to rivals in FP1.

However, it is important to note that Ferrari might have been running in lower engine mode or at a higher fuel load this time around.

The home country hero, Yuki Tsunoda, gave the crowd something to cheer about as he put his RB into P9. Daniel Ricciardo had a big moment coming out of turn 2 that saw him lose his rear.

The Australian driver then slid onto the grass in the run-off area, fortunately for him, staying far away from the barrier. The FP3 session was more important for the Honey Badger than perhaps for anyone.

The 34-year-old RB driver only put in 2 laps (on a damp track) ahead of the third practice session, so he needed to get as much running as possible.