Oscar Piastri — P7
Oscar Piastri was the quicker of the two McLaren drivers in FP3. The #81 McLaren produced a 1:44.746, putting Oscar seventh and 0.824 seconds behind Max Verstappen's session-leading 1:43.922. It's still a sizeable gap, but compared with Friday, there are reasons to be more positive. Oscar also appeared encouraged by McLaren's longer-run performance earlier in the weekend, so the big challenge now is finding that extra performance over a single lap. Around Baku, that's easier said than done. The walls are close, confidence is everything, and one small mistake can destroy an entire qualifying lap.
Lando Norris — P8
Right behind Oscar was Lando Norris. Lando put the #1 McLaren into P8 with a 1:44.899, leaving him 0.977 seconds behind Verstappen. That's not where Lando will want to be heading into qualifying.There has been progress. In FP2, both McLarens were around a second and a half away from George Russell's fastest time. By FP3, Oscar had reduced that deficit to 0.824 seconds and Lando was inside one second. McLaren are moving in the right direction. Now they need another step.
McLaren Are Getting Closer
This has not been the easiest Baku weekend for the Papaya Boys. FP1 was difficult. FP2 showed improvement, but the gap remained significant. Now FP3 has given us another small step forward. The problem is that McLaren aren't the only team improving. Max Verstappen went fastest. George Russell was just 0.099 seconds behind. Lewis Hamilton was only 0.111 seconds away from P1. Mercedes and Red Bull appear ready for a serious battle at the front, while Ferrari remain another threat. That leaves Lando and Oscar needing to find something extra if they want to join the fight.
Is McLaren Hiding Something?
This is where things get interesting. Practice doesn't always tell us the complete story. Fuel loads differ. Engine modes differ. Run plans differ. we won't know exactly what McLaren have until qualifying begins. Could Oscar suddenly find another few tenths? Could Lando put together one of those laps that completely changes the picture? Absolutely. Based purely on FP3, McLaren still have work to do.
PAPAYA BOYS FP3 RESULTS
Oscar Piastri #81 — P7
1:44.746
+0.824 to P1
Lando Norris #1 — P8
1:44.899
+0.977 to P1
Meanwhile:
Max Verstappen — 1:43.922
George Russell — +0.099
Lewis Hamilton — +0.111
That gives you an idea of just how competitive the front of the field is heading into qualifying.
Qualifying Is Where It Matters
Practice is finished. Now there are no excuses. It's time for qualifying. For Oscar, the target has to be moving further up the order and getting himself into the fight near the front. For Lando, there's almost a full second to find based on the FP3 times. This is Baku. We've seen surprises here before.One tow can transform a lap. One mistake can end a qualifying session. One red flag can completely change everything. If McLaren have been holding something back, qualifying is when we're going to find out. So what do you think? Can Oscar Piastri get into the top five? Can Lando Norris fight back from P8 in practice? Could either Papaya Boy challenge for pole? Or are Red Bull and Mercedes simply too quick around Baku? The practice sessions are over. Now it's time to see what the Papaya Boys have really got.
On the Pitwall — Lights out. More to talk about.
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