After topping both of Friday’s sessions, Norris was quickest in final practice by 0.242s from Oscar Piastri, who leads his McLaren team-mate by nine points in the Drivers’ Championship.
On a track that continued to evolve after morning rain, Norris was faster in every sector in the final soft tyre run compared to Piastri and is on course to repeat his pole and victory from Zandvoort last year.
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“Lando does seem to have the upper hand and will take a psychological advantage into qualifying as he has been fastest in all three practice sessions,” said Sky Sports F1‘s Karun Chandhok.
“But you can never count Oscar out, as he does always seem to keep a little bit in his pocket for qualifying. It should be brilliant.”
Mercedes’ George Russell was third but 0.886s behind pace-setter Norris, who has won three of the last four races. Russell is under investigation for a bizarre incident where he nearly collided with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso prior to the pit entry during final practice.
Williams’ Carlos Sainz impressed in fourth, ahead of home hero Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton ran wide on his qualifying simulation, so ended the session in 14th, but showed competitive pace earlier on in his Ferrari.
Aston Martin were surprisingly fast on Friday but Alonso was only 10th, although Lance Stroll fared better in eighth after the team repaired his car overnight following his massive accident in second practice.
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli’s struggles continued as he suffered a downshifting problem and was down in 17th, nearly one second off team-mate Russell.
Sky Sports F1’s Dutch GP schedule
Saturday August 30
1pm: Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy Race 1
Sunday August 31
9.35am: F1 Academy Race 2
10.50am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 returns after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
