SINGAPORE: Resurgent world champion Max Verstappen sent out a strong message ahead of qualifying by clocking the fastest lap in Saturday’s third practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver produced a late flyer of 1 minute 30.148 seconds, narrowly edging out McLaren’s championship leader Oscar Piastri by just 0.017 seconds. Verstappen, who has won the last two races, is chasing a third consecutive victory in Singapore to further reduce the 69-point gap to the Australian in the drivers’ standings.
George Russell showed impressive recovery after his Friday crash, setting the third fastest time in 1:30.197, while teammate Kimi Antonelli confirmed Mercedes’ speed in fourth with 1:30.237. Defending race winner Lando Norris was fifth for McLaren, ahead of Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls).
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton placed eighth but may face a penalty after being summoned to the stewards for a red flag infringement.
The session was twice interrupted — first when Liam Lawson crashed his Racing Bulls car into the barriers, repeating his troubles from Friday. With qualifying looming, the New Zealander faces an uphill battle to recover.
