Max Verstappen led the two McLarens in final practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Tyres were the talk of the session with the soft compound only lasting for a single flying lap in the much hotter-than-usual conditions at Suzuka.

And the reigning champion would measure his pace in the first half of the lap before blitzing Sectors 2 and 3 to post a 1m30.267s, putting him two-tenths clear of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

In fact, the papaya machines were the only real challenge to Verstappen, with the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez almost half a second behind Piastri in fourth.

Charles Leclerc was once again the lead Ferrari in fifth, a tenth clear of teammate Carlos Sainz in sixth as both drivers completed the most laps of anyone with 20.

After a difficult Friday, Lewis Hamilton showed better pace in seventh, three-tenths up on George Russell in P8 in the sister Mercedes.

Fernando Alonso was ninth and Zhou Guanyu pipped Alfa Romeo teammate Valtteri Bottas to round out the top 10.

Kevin Magnussen claimed P12, ahead of Esteban Ocon in 13th. Home favourite Yuki Tsunoda was only 14th after encountering Magnussen in the Esses during his flying lap.

Nico Hulkenberg was 15th, Logan Sargeant 16th and Liam Lawson 17th. Alex Albon finished 18th as Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly completed the order.