McLaren’s Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, clocking 1:30.133 on the soft compound. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli finished second, with George Russell in third. The practice took place at Suzuka.
McLaren and Mercedes Set the Pace
Oscar Piastri will finish the session ahead of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Lando Norris in the other McLaren was fourth, and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was fifth.
Lando Norris banked some qualifying laps on the soft tyre. He went fourth quickest, half a second away from Oscar Piastri’s best time after avoiding Gabriel Bortoleto.
Verstappen and Hamilton Struggle
Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, grappled with his Red Bull at Turn 13, finishing tenth. He said he had “no confidence in the car”.
Lewis Hamilton was also unimpressed with his Ferrari, which was eight tenths away from Piastri’s quickest time.
Audi Mechanics Celebrate Repair
There were relieved faces at Audi after their mechanics fixed the problem with Gabriel Bortoleto’s car. They managed to get him out with 10 minutes left in the session. The mechanics were giving each other well-deserved high fives.
Bearman Puts Pressure on Ocon
Ollie Bearman is putting Esteban Ocon in the shade. It was suggested that Ocon could be fighting for a career in F1 at the end of the season if he doesn’t start to outpace Bearman in qualifying and the race.
The race in Japan starts at 06:00 BST, so remember to set your alarms as the clocks go forward on Sunday.