Qualifying Preview: Norris Soars in FP3, Verstappen Struggles in Mexico City

Lando Norris delivered a standout performance in FP3, topping the timesheets by a significant margin, while Max Verstappen showed an unexpected drop in pace. This sets the stage for a thrilling qualifying session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where pole position, despite the long run to Turn 1, remains crucial for championship contenders.

Why it matters:

After a challenging start to the weekend, Lando Norris's dominant FP3 performance injects significant momentum into his qualifying bid, potentially narrowing the championship gap to teammate Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's struggles could complicate his charge for a fourth consecutive win, opening the door for rivals in a finely poised title battle.

The Details:

• Norris's Resurgence: After missing FP1, Norris quickly adapted, finishing P4 in FP2 and then dominating FP3 with a 1:16.633, three-tenths faster than anyone else, including Lewis Hamilton in P2.
  • Setup Advantage: McLaren's improved mechanical setup, allowing for better handling over kerbs and enhanced traction out of slow corners, particularly benefited Norris in the first and third sectors. His MCL39's optimal cooling system also helped maintain soft tyre performance throughout the lap.
• Piastri's Continued Struggles: Championship leader Oscar Piastri's inconsistent form persists, with a P12 in FP2 and a P4 in FP3, nearly six-tenths off Norris's pace. This marks his longest spell without a podium in 2025.
• Verstappen's Dip: Following a strong FP2 performance, Max Verstappen's pace surprisingly dropped in FP3, finishing P5, 0.609 seconds behind Norris. While his long-run pace on mediums was promising, his soft-tyre performance suffered from a lack of grip.
  • Tyre Preparation Issues: Verstappen's struggles on soft tyres are likely due to difficulties in tyre preparation and temperature management during the out-lap, rather than fundamental setup issues, as evidenced by his solid medium-tyre pace.

The Big Picture:

The championship battle is incredibly tight, with Piastri leading, followed by Verstappen and Norris in close contention. Every point, especially those from pole position, is critical. The varied performances in practice sessions suggest that qualifying will be highly unpredictable, with multiple drivers vying for the top spot.

What's next:

Qualifying will be a crucial indicator of true pace, with Norris looking to capitalize on his FP3 form. Piastri will be under pressure to rediscover his rhythm, and Verstappen will need to quickly resolve his soft-tyre issues to maintain his championship charge. Keep an eye on Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who have also shown strong pace and could challenge for pole.