Max Verstappen Reigns Supreme in Thrilling FP3 as Liam Lawson’s Crash Shakes Singapore GP
In a jaw-dropping display of speed and skill, Max Verstappen emerged victorious in a high-stakes Free Practice 3 session during the 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. The session, marked by dramatic moments and intense competition, saw Verstappen clock a blistering lap time of 1m30.148s, solidifying his status as the driver to beat.
The excitement began early on, with McLaren’s Lando Norris setting the pace on medium tires, posting an impressive 1m31.021s in the opening minutes. However, it was Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton who would ultimately challenge that time, with both drivers showcasing their prowess on the yellow-walled tires. Hamilton’s effort of 1m31.448s fell short, while Verstappen’s blistering speed left his competitors in the dust.
Despite the daytime conditions—far from ideal for race simulations—teams focused on perfecting their one-lap pace, crucial for securing the best grid position at the notoriously challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit. The drama escalated as Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the first driver to break into the 1m30s, initially clocking 1m30.760s. But he was quickly eclipsed by Charles Leclerc’s 1m30.651s and Norris’ 1m30.292s, only for Verstappen to unleash his full potential with the fastest lap of the session.
Adding to the suspense, Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, came tantalizingly close to Verstappen’s time, finishing just 0.017s behind on his final attempt—a nail-biting performance that keeps the constructors’ championship battle alive for McLaren, who aim for a consecutive title win. George Russell rounded out the top three, lamenting a lack of confidence in Turn 16 after a “weird” crash during FP2, which raised concerns about his car’s performance.
The top ten featured a thrilling mix of talent, with Antonelli and Norris tying with identical times of 1m30.237s for fourth and fifth place, followed closely by Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar, Hamilton, and Nico Hulkenberg, showcasing seven different teams within half a second—a testament to the fierce competition on the track.
However, not all was smooth sailing in this action-packed session. Liam Lawson caused a red flag just 15 minutes in when he lost control of his Racing Bulls at the Turn 7 exit, crashing into the wall. This incident raises questions about the team’s ability to repair his car in time for qualifying, as significant wing and suspension damage was reported.
Compounding the drama, a potential red-flag infringement involving Hamilton is set to be investigated by the stewards, adding another layer of intrigue to an already electrifying event. Aside from Lawson’s unfortunate mishap, other drivers like Franco Colapinto, Sainz, and Alex Albon had their own moments of error, veering off track at Turn 14 but managing to escape without major incident.
As the sun sets over Singapore, the stage is set for a thrilling qualifying session that promises to leave fans on the edge of their seats. With tensions running high and stakes even higher, the countdown to the race is on, and all eyes will be on Verstappen as he aims to maintain his edge in this captivating championship battle.
