FP3: McLaren set the pace as Verstappen finds form in final Dutch GP practice

The FP3 session, which unfolded in a rather quiet manner, especially after the heavy rain that had hit the track overnight, saw several drivers head out on intermediate tyres for their installation laps. The session soon came alive when Kimi Antonelli and the Kick Sauber duo — Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg — set the early pace.

The session quickly took the direction that much of the weekend has followed so far, when Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took to the track. The McLaren duo hit their markers and set the fastest laps of the session. Max Verstappen struggled to match the pace of the papaya-coloured pair but did produce a much-improved lap compared to his outing in FP2.

There was room for a bit of on-track drama, with Verstappen being impeded by Pierre Gasly. However, the stewards were called into action when George Russell appeared to force Fernando Alonso into the pit lane as the veteran Spaniard tried to avoid a collision.

The session did not conclude without Norris once again showing his pace, as he clocked a staggering 1:08.972 to set the fastest time of the weekend so far. Russell also improved on his pace to finish third in the standings.