Key FP3 Insights:

• Red Bull Racing was at the top of the first practice session, but McLaren and Mercedes were nearly neck-and-neck.
• The tight margins show just how competitive qualifying will be.
• The nature of the track and closing out the session with fast laps was a huge help into lap time.

What to Expect in Qualifying and Race Strategy

Max Verstappen's session indicates Red Bull is in a good position to fight for pole, but also, who knows given how close some of our competitors are. All teams were monitoring tire usage, track temperature, the street circuit nature of the Marina Bay Circus, etc., to utilize every advantage they can muster.

Qualifying is going to be critical:

• In such a tight pack, we all know that one perfect lap could make all the difference.
• McLaren’s Piastri and Norris have looked very quick and will be challenging to be on the front row.
• Mercedes’ Russell and Hamilton will be trying to use their strategy to gain an advantage toward the front at the start.

Race strategy will depend greatly on tire usage and who can take care of their tires, especially in Singapore where the humidity is high and on a street circuit the tires will heat up quickly, adding pressure to the compounds. Drivers will have to find a balance of being aggressive while keeping the tires that they have and maximizing their strategy on race day.

Remember when Max staged his own press conference after qualifying in Singapore to protest against the FIA for his swearing penalty 😅

The aura is unmatched. pic.twitter.com/RCueCgsit0

— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) September 30, 2025

Max Verstappen's lap in FP3 at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix was a sight to behold and will make qualifying an intense challenge. Each of the top 3 teams is separated by hundreds of a second, so the race for pole will be very entertaining. Strategy, timing, and managing the track will all be vital in determining the grid for the race ahead for what should be an exciting weekend at Marina Bay.