Lando Norris topped the first practice of McLaren in the Japanese Grand Prix, where Yuki Tsunoda began a strong start for the first time in Red Paul.
Just moments after getting out of the right track while he was struggling by dealing with MCL39, Norris handed over a time of 1: 28,549 to defeat George Russell in Mercedes by 0.163 seconds.
Although the fastest time was, the driver’s championship leader had angered the team’s radio, where he complained about the tire granules during his long period of operation later in the session, while his teammate Oscar Baystiri was fifteen after he made errors in his attempts to fly.
Ferrari Charles Licerk and Luis Hamilton ranked third and fourth in a row, ahead of Max Versaben in fifth place, which was ten seconds before his new teammate Tsunoda in sixth place.
Tsunoda was significantly upgraded to Red Bull from Junior TEAM Racing Bulls only in two races of the season, where Liam Lawson reduced the number of times after more than three months after the Milton Keynes team chose Virstaben’s teammate in Versaben for the 2025 season.
It was just a tenth of the ruling world champion represented a encouraging start for Tesonoda in his home race, although it seems that there is a more important Gulf over a longer period in the session.
Speaking on the team’s radio at the end of the session, Tsunouda said: “I found the car interesting on the path. But it is fine. Good (session).”
Lawson was in the thirteenth place when he returned to the bull race, as he appeared for the 11th Grands Prix before he was quickly tracked in the Red Bull seat. He was outperforming his teammate Isack Hadjar, who continued a great start for his upward campaign by taking the eighth.
Talk to Sky SPORTS F1 After the session, the director of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, said: “This is a positive start for Yuki. He knows the circle well here.
“His notes are very clear, very brief in the car. It is just the beginning of his journey with the team and there is a lot to enter.”
Fernando Alonso ranked seventh place for Aston Martin, while Mercedes Andrea Kimi Antonelli was unable to match the Role pace in ninth.
Carlos Science showed signs of progress in his amendment to the leadership of Williams after moving from Ferrari, where he left his teammate Alex Albon in tenth place.
McLaren is faster despite the unconvincing start
McLaren arrived in Japan as clear preferences with Norris and Pestry’s participation in winning both the opening rounds, but the heroes of the ruling building were not sold for a comfort in the opening session on Friday.
Norris has repeatedly struggled to control his car through the 16 and 17 turns in the final sector, and eventually pushed beyond the limit where he ran on gravel.
However, the fact that he was able to go faster although not finding the optimal setting should be a warning to the chase package.
The only driver who looked able to challenge McLaren on the evidence for the first practice was Russell, who was strong throughout the session and it seemed more positive in terms of tire granules in the long run.
Ferraris, who is looking to apostasy from the dual insecurity in China the last time, has been on two sides of Norris, and it seems that he is still trying to overcome the preparation problems that led to a turbulent start for this season.
Although the performance of the Tsunouda was encouraging, Versapet was also more than half a second of Norris and complained of “Super Weird” on his car during a show indicating that the Dutchman will face a difficult time to repeat the dominant victory of Suzuka 12 months ago.
Sky SPORTS F1’s Live GPG GP
Friday, April 4
- 6.45 in the morning: Japanese GP practice two (the session begins at 7 am)*
- 8.15 am: F1 show*
Saturday, April 5
- 3.15 in the morning: Japanese GP practice Three (the session begins at 3:30 am)*
- 6 in the morning: Japanese GP qualification accumulated*
- 7 am: Japanese GP is qualified*
- 9 in the morning: TED booklet*
Sunday, April 6
- 4.30 AM: Japanese GP accumulation: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 6 am: Japanese Grand Prix*
- 8 in the morning: Japanese GP reaction: fluctuating flag*
- 9 in the morning: Ted Book*
*I also live on the main sky sports event
Formula is located in the famous Suzuka circuit in the Japanese Grand Prix this week, directly on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky SPORTS at now – no contract, cancellation at any time
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