Norris Tops FP1 at Suzuka as McLaren Leads Early Charge in Japan
Lando Norris set the pace in the opening practice session for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, overcoming early balance struggles and a few off-track moments to lead the timesheets at Suzuka.
The McLaren driver posted a best lap of 1:28.549 on soft Pirelli tires, edging out Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.163s. The third round of the F1 2025 season kicked off under warm conditions, with track temperatures at 35°C and expected to climb throughout the day.
Max Verstappen initially led the session after setting an early benchmark on softs, but Russell soon took control with a 1:28.712 lap. However, Norris—despite struggling with his MCL39’s balance and getting caught out by Suzuka’s aggressive kerbs—managed to put together a strong lap to snatch the top spot.
Behind Norris and Russell, Charles Leclerc slotted into third on soft tires, though he trailed by over three-tenths. Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, secured fourth place, while Verstappen ended the session fifth, reporting that his RB21 was behaving strangely, noting an unusual “flexing” issue.
Rounding out the top six was Yuki Tsunoda, who finished just a tenth behind his new Red Bull teammate, aiming to impress on home soil.
Japanese GP: FP1 Lap Times
1 Lando Norris McLaren 1:28.549
2 George Russell Mercedes +0.163
3 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.416
4 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.502
5 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.516
6 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing +0.623
7 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.673
8 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls +0.676
9 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.735
10 Carlos Sainz Williams +0.784
11 Alexander Albon Williams +0.843
12 Ryo Hirakawa Alpine +0.845
13 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +0.987
14 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.998
15 Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.159
16 Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.209
17 Nico Hulkenberg Kick Sauber +1.474
18 Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team +1.528
19 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team +1.574
20 Gabriel Bortoleto Kick Sauber +1.598
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