Lando Norris tops FP3 ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, leading Hamilton and Russell as title rivals Verstappen and Piastri struggle for pace.
Introduction
Lando Norris once again proved that consistency and confidence are key to success, as he led the final practice session ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. The McLaren driver dominated the session with an impressive lap of 1m 16.633s, outpacing Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. While Norris looked composed, his title rivals, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, found themselves on the back foot, struggling to match the Briton’s blistering pace.
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at what this practice session revealed about the grid’s form and what it might mean for the upcoming Qualifying session.
1. Lando Norris Sets the Pace in FP3
When the chequered flag fell, it was Lando Norris who stood tall. His lap of 1m 16.633s not only secured him the top spot but also established McLaren as the team to beat heading into qualifying. It’s becoming a familiar story in 2025 — Norris turning practice dominance into a genuine statement of intent. His calm and calculated approach once again highlighted why he’s been such a formidable force this season.
2. Early Struggles and Track Evolution
The session began slowly, with drivers reluctant to hit the track early due to evolving conditions. Max Verstappen was the first to break the silence, clocking an initial benchmark time. Yet, it wasn’t until ten minutes in that the rest of the grid joined, with teams keen to gather valuable data on the dusty circuit. As rubber built up, lap times dropped significantly, setting the stage for a fierce second half.
3. Hamilton Pushes the Limits
Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, looked aggressive from the start. His early laps showed flashes of brilliance — but also a few mistakes. Running deep at Turn 4 and briefly taking to the grass at Turn 1, Hamilton seemed to be testing the boundaries of grip. Eventually, his perseverance paid off when he became the first driver to dip below 1m 17s, clocking 1m 16.978s, before Norris snatched the spotlight.
4. Sainz Leads Early with Soft Tyres
Carlos Sainz was the first to gamble on soft Pirelli tyres, a move that briefly put him on top of the timesheets with 1m 18.028s. It was a strategic play that gave Ferrari early momentum, but as the track improved, Sainz couldn’t maintain that advantage. By the end, he slipped down the order, finishing in the midfield.
5. McLaren’s Strategic Approach Pays Off
While other teams experimented with setups, McLaren executed a perfectly timed plan. Norris and Piastri started on mediums before switching to softs late in the session, when track conditions were ideal. Norris’s timing was impeccable, but Piastri couldn’t quite match his teammate’s pace, ending up six-tenths behind in fifth — a reminder that even small margins can have big implications in Mexico’s thin air.
6. Verstappen’s Concerns Continue
For Max Verstappen, FP3 offered little comfort. The reigning champion finished sixth, complaining of “no grip, front and rear.” His Red Bull looked twitchy, and with limited straight-line speed, it seemed Verstappen was wrestling more with his car than the track itself. It’s unusual to see the Dutchman so unsettled, especially at a circuit where he’s historically thrived.
7. Russell’s Rollercoaster Session
George Russell, meanwhile, experienced both highs and lows. After being the first to go below 1m 18s, he seemed poised for a strong finish. However, his Mercedes struggled for grip on medium tyres, prompting complaints over team radio. Still, Russell recovered impressively, ending the session third — just behind his former teammate Hamilton.
8. Midfield Action: Hadjar and Tsunoda Impress
Among the midfielders, Isack Hadjar continued to make waves for Racing Bulls, finishing inside the top ten. His confidence and consistency have turned heads in recent weeks. Alongside him, Yuki Tsunoda once again showcased his raw pace, narrowly missing out on matching Hadjar’s lap times. For a team fighting for midfield glory, these performances are worth their weight in gold.
9. Antonelli’s Learning Curve with Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli had another promising outing with Mercedes. Though he brushed over the kerbs at Turn 12, the young Italian maintained composure and finished just behind Verstappen. His ability to adapt quickly to the car and circuit conditions shows why Mercedes has such high hopes for him moving forward.
10. Ferrari’s Mixed Fortunes
While Hamilton shone, Charles Leclerc had a more subdued session. His early laps were tidy, even briefly taking the top spot, but he couldn’t sustain the momentum. Ferrari’s one-lap pace looked solid, but long-run consistency might still be an issue — something that could haunt them when the lights go out on Sunday.
11. Williams and Albon Struggle for Power
It wasn’t a smooth day for Alex Albon, who reported a “weird feeling” in his car and later complained of a lack of power. Teammate Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams, also found himself languishing in the lower half of the grid. The team seemed off-pace, particularly on straights where top speed is crucial.
12. Alonso’s Mechanical Setback
Fernando Alonso endured a frustrating session, completing the fewest laps of any driver. Aston Martin confirmed a minor issue with his car’s front right, which forced the team to limit his running. His teammate Lance Stroll also struggled for rhythm, leaving Aston Martin with work to do before qualifying.
13. Traffic Trouble at the Autódromo
With only 2.67 miles of track, managing traffic became a key challenge. Drivers frequently encountered slower cars during their flying laps, disrupting rhythm and lap times. It’s a factor that could prove decisive later, especially in qualifying where track position is everything.
14. The Key Takeaways Before Qualifying
As FP3 wrapped up, one message was clear: McLaren means business. Norris’s control, Hamilton’s aggression, and Russell’s persistence set up a thrilling qualifying session ahead. Verstappen’s struggles hint that Red Bull might not have it all their way this weekend — a rare sight in modern Formula 1.
15. Final Thoughts: Norris Sends a Strong Message
As the engines fell silent at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Norris’s smile said it all. Fast, composed, and confident — the McLaren driver looks ready to fight for pole. With Verstappen on the defensive and Hamilton back in the mix, the stage is perfectly set for an unpredictable qualifying showdown in Mexico.
FAQs
1. Who topped FP3 in Mexico City Grand Prix 2025?
Lando Norris was the fastest, setting a time of 1m 16.633s, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
2. How did Max Verstappen perform in FP3?
Verstappen finished sixth, struggling with grip and balance issues throughout the session.
3. What happened to Fernando Alonso in FP3?
Aston Martin discovered a small issue with the front right of his car, limiting his running.
4. Which teams looked strongest ahead of qualifying?
McLaren and Ferrari showed the best pace, with Mercedes also in strong contention.
5. When is the qualifying session for the Mexico City Grand Prix?
Qualifying is scheduled for later on Saturday, where all 20 drivers will battle for pole position.
