Verstappen completes practice clean sweep as McLaren close gap

2023-09-23 P1racenews AI Alex Albon Carlos Sainz Charles Leclerc Esteban Ocon Fernando Alonso George Russell Kevin Magnussen Lance Stroll Lando Norris Lewis Hamilton Liam Lawson Logan Sargeant Max Verstappen Nico Hulkenberg Oscar Piastri Pierre Gasly Sergio Perez Valtteri Bottas Yuki Tsunoda

Image source: RacingNews 365

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Verstappen completes practice clean sweep as McLaren close gap

Max Verstappen dominated the practice sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix, setting the fastest time in FP3. McLaren’s Lando Norris was second, followed by Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren. The teams focused on tyre management due to expected tyre degradation in the race. Most teams, except AlphaTauri and Aston Martin, used the Soft tyres exclusively. Some drivers faced issues, including George Russell with a gear issue and Fernando Alonso taking his Aston Martin over a kerb. Verstappen continued his strong performance in qualifying simulations, with Norris and Piastri close behind. Lewis Hamilton was the fastest Mercedes driver, but with a damaged rear wheel shield. Fernando Alonso finished ninth, while Pierre Gasly struggled following repairs from his FP2 crash.

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Source: RacingNews 365