The first acquaintance of the new F1 cars with the Suzuka circuit brought no surprises. FP1, the first free practice session for the Japanese GP, was concluded early Friday morning with two Mercedes at the top of the timing sheet. George Russell was the fastest, ahead of his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Max Verstappen ultimately recorded the seventh time, of course for what it’s worth.
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The session at Suzuka begins with a virtual safety car situation, because Gabriel Bortoleto’s Audi stalls at the pit lane exit. The problem is fortunately quickly resolved so that the preparation for the drivers for the Japanese GP can actually begin. Incidentally, Fernando Alonso is absent from the first appointment. The Spaniard from Aston Martin arrived later in Japan due to the birth of his first child and is replaced by American reserve driver Jak Crawford at FP1.
Problems for Norris
Lando Norris starts FP1 later. His McLaren remains in the garage for much of the session while mechanics work frantically on the car. After 23 minutes, the reigning world champion finally heads out. At that moment, the timing sheet is led by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, followed by Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who restore order shortly after – on softs. Russell, the winner of the opening race in Australia, achieves 1:31.666, Antonelli, the winner of the Chinese GP, gives only 0.026. Lando Norris gives only 0.132 after an hour and is thus ‘best of the rest’.
Max Verstappen complains over the radio about his brakes and visibly struggles with the balance of his Red Bull. The team tests, among other things, with a different front wing. Verstappen closes the session with the seventh time (1:32.437). Both Aston Martins (Lance Stroll and Jak Crawford) close the field, over four (!) seconds from championship leader George Russell.
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Serious incidents do not occur, although Alexander Albon does hit the wall hard with his Williams after a gravel excursion. In the closing stages, he also comes into rough contact with Sergio Pérez, after which the Brit seeks the pits with damage.
Top-10: Russell, Antonelli, Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lawson, Ocon, Lindblad.
Read more Result FP2 GP Japan 2026
Results
- PosDriverTeamNationalityTime
- George Russell
Mercedes
1:31.666 - Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+ 0.026 - Lando Norris
McLaren
+ 0.132 - Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+ 0.199 - Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+ 0.289 - Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+ 0.374 - Max Verstappen
Red Bull
+ 0.791 - Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
+ 0.863 - Esteban Ocon
Haas
+ 0.935 - Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+ 0.999 - Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
+ 1.093 - Nico Hülkenberg
Audi
+ 1.132 - Isack Hadjar
Red Bull
+ 1.137 - Oliver Bearman
Haas
