After a weekend break the Formula 1 back on track for what will be the first appointment of the triple header that awaits us. In Suzuka the cars take to the track for the free practice 1 of the Japanese GP, a session that ended with championship leader Lando Norris in front of everyone. Russell and Leclerc completed the top 3.
Tsunoda makes his Red Bull debut in Japan
Almost all the riders took to the track right from the start of the session, trying to immediately find the right feeling on one of the most complicated tracks on the calendar. Yuki Tsunoda is definitely in front of everyone's eyes, a home driver and debuting with Red Bull, who immediately takes to the track on soft tyres, like his much more highly rated teammate. After 10 minutes, the best time of FP1 of 2024 is already beaten by Verstappen, who prints a 1.29.690, beaten shortly after by George Russell by just over half a second on medium tyres.
Mercedes leads the way at mid-session
Al Turning point of first free practice in Japan, the Mercedes driver is ahead of everyone with Verstappen e Hadjar which complete the top 3. Immediately behind Albon, the two Ferrari e tsunoda, with the McLaren delayed, in a session where only a few drivers attempted the lap with the red tyre.
When you enter thelast half hour of the session here we go out on the track to try the single lap. It is always the British Mercedes driver who dictates the law with a 1.28.712, followed by Leclerc, Verstappen Tsunoda and Alonso. McLaren out of top 10 They seem to be having some difficulty, with Norris having to abort two laps due to a mistake in the final chicane.
McLaren's response in first free practice for Japanese GP
Norris finally finds the turn and pulls himself up first place, while Hamilton climbs to fourth position immediately behind his teammate. The McLaren driver's time would have placed him in the top 5 of the 2024 qualifying. Haas and Stake, who appear to be in great difficulty, occupy the last 4 positions, while Ryo Hirakawa occupies an honorable twelfth position. The reserve driver who replaces Doohan in this session and who places himself ahead of Gasly. Albon and Antonelli, searching for the limit, end up in the gravel without consequences for the car.
In last 15 minutes the race pace is tested by the various teams and the top 10 therefore remains unchanged. The first Free practice for the Japanese GP they close with Norris in front to everyone with a 1.28.549. They follow Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen and completes the top 6 tsunoda, just one tenth behind Verstappen. The Japanese driver seems to have fewer difficulties than Lawson, his situation in terms of FantaF1 is definitely one to keep an eye on.
