“Suzuka’s challenging corners tested several drivers, with a few making small errors during practice”
George Russell set the pace in Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix, leading a Mercedes 1‑2 with teammate Kimi Antonelli close behind. Russell posted a fastest lap of 1:31.666, narrowly beating Antonelli by just 0.026 seconds, showing strong control and consistency on the challenging Suzuka circuit.
McLaren’s Lando Norris was third fastest, followed by teammate Oscar Piastri in fourth. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and sixth, while reigning world champion Max Verstappen was seventh.
The session was mostly clean, though Williams’ Alex Albon had an off-track moment at the Degner corners. Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Jak Crawford ended up toward the back of the timesheets. Several drivers used the session to test tyre compounds and car setups ahead of qualifying.
Mercedes showed strong pace early in the weekend, continuing their dominance from earlier rounds this season. The practice session sets up an exciting battle as qualifying and the race approach, with Russell and Antonelli looking strong at Suzuka and other teams eager to close the gap.