F1 Japanese GP Qualifying: Norris Leads McLaren 1-2 in Fire-Hit Final Practice

Why this matters? McLaren's sustained speed puts real pressure on rivals Red Bull and Mercedes. The recurring track fires highlight potential safety vulnerabilities at Suzuka that need urgent attention before qualifying and the race. Verstappen's difficulties and Tsunoda's adaptation are key narratives to follow.

Suzuka FP3: Speed and Setbacks

The final hour of practice at the iconic Suzuka Circuit provided teams a last chance to refine setups before the crucial qualifying session. McLaren capitalized on this, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locking out the top two spots, continuing their strong form this season. George Russell kept Mercedes competitive in third.

However, the session's flow was significantly impacted by trackside fires. Dry grass near the circuit edge ignited twice, forcing red flag stoppages. This follows two similar incidents on Friday, prompting the FIA to implement mitigation measures like dampening the grass and stationing response teams. Despite these efforts, the fires recurred, indicating an ongoing risk factor for the weekend. The cause is believed to be sparks from the cars hitting the dry vegetation.

Max Verstappen's session was notable for his vocal frustration with the RB chassis' handling, specifically a lack of front-end grip. Finishing fifth, over half a second adrift, suggests Red Bull might face a tougher fight for pole than anticipated. Meanwhile, his new teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, navigated the pressure of his home race and new team environment to secure a top-ten finish in P9.

Elsewhere, Jack Doohan successfully returned to the track for Alpine after his heavy FP2 crash required significant repairs (excluding the power unit). Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc (P4) and Lewis Hamilton (P6) sandwiched Verstappen, though Leclerc's final run was compromised by the late red flag. Drivers like Fernando Alonso (P15) also missed crucial late runs on soft tyres due to the stoppage. Alex Albon (Williams) impressed in P7, ahead of Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), who rounded out the top ten.

Who was fastest in the final practice (FP3) for the 2025 Japanese GP?

Lando Norris driving for McLaren set the quickest time.

What caused the red flags during FP3?

The session was stopped twice because dry grass alongside the Suzuka track caught fire, likely ignited by sparks from the cars.

How did Yuki Tsunoda perform in FP3 for Red Bull?

Yuki Tsunoda finished ninth fastest in the session during his debut weekend with Red Bull Racing at his home Grand Prix.

Are the trackside fires a major concern?

Yes, with four fire incidents across practice sessions despite mitigation efforts, it remains a significant concern for safety and potential disruptions during qualifying and the race.

Do you think McLaren can secure pole position? Will the trackside fires cause further disruptions this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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