Norris Dominates FP3 in Mexico as Villeneuve Questions Rivals' Pace

Lando Norris delivered a dominant performance in the final practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, outpacing rivals and drawing praise from 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve. While Norris showcased exceptional single-lap and long-run pace, his main championship competitors, including teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, struggled to find their rhythm, raising questions about their qualifying prospects.

Why it matters:

Norris's commanding FP3 showing is a significant confidence booster in his tight championship battle. With only 14 points separating him from leader Piastri and Verstappen also in contention, every session's performance carries immense weight. Villeneuve's observation that only Norris 'stepped up' highlights the Briton's strong position heading into qualifying, potentially setting the stage for a crucial weekend in the championship.

The Details:

• Norris's Dominance: Lando Norris finished FP3 three-tenths clear of the field, with Lewis Hamilton in second. His pace suggests strong form for both qualifying and the race.
• Rivals' Struggles: Teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen reportedly struggled to match Norris's pace in qualifying simulations, indicating potential setup challenges or a lack of optimal car balance.
• Villeneuve's Commentary: Jacques Villeneuve noted on Sky Sports that 'Only Lando has stepped up,' while Max Verstappen was 'not happy with his car.' He also emphasized Norris's strong long-run pace as a positive for the championship.
• Championship Stakes: Norris is currently 14 points behind Piastri, who leads the standings with 346 points, making every session critical for championship aspirations.

Between the lines:

Beyond the on-track action, a 'war of words' has erupted between McLaren and Red Bull regarding their 2026 car projects. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested Red Bull might 'give up' on their 2026 project due to a late 2025 floor update affecting their next season's development. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko dismissed these claims, laughing them off and drawing parallels to Mercedes' situation in 2021, indicating rising tensions between the two constructor rivals.

What's next:

Norris's performance in FP3 sets high expectations for qualifying at the Mexico City Grand Prix. If he can maintain this exceptional pace, he could secure a strong grid position, which is vital for maximizing points in the championship chase. The diverging performances of the top contenders also suggest a potentially unpredictable qualifying session, with teams scrambling to optimize their setups.