P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen set the pace ahead of qualifying at the 2024 F1 Japanese Grand Prix
Max Verstappen set the pace in the third practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking the second Red Bull one-two of the weekend, with the reigning champion leading Sergio Perez by two-tenths of a second. Mercedes showcased strength with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in fourth and fifth, while Fernando Alonso secured a top-five finish. The drivers were quick to hit the track at the start of the session, aiming to make up for the lost time from FP2, affected by mixed conditions. Mixed strategies were observed, with some teams focusing on hot laps early on, while others prioritized long runs. Verstappen dominated the timesheets, but reported a deteriorating ride, as Mercedes demonstrated their pace, and Ferrari’s performance raised speculations for qualifying.
