F1 | Ferrari aims for first win in Japan: FP2 long-run insights
The second practice session of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix offered the first real glimpse at race pace across the grid. All teams completed their initial long-run simulations, providing insight into how the weekend might unfold, with Ferrari setting its sights on a first victory of the season.
Energy challenges at Suzuka
Suzuka remains one of the trickiest tracks on the calendar when it comes to energy management. Data from FP2 shows that nearly all cars suffer significant speed loss due to super clipping in the final sector before 130R, with reductions between 15 and 20 km/h.
Mercedes again demonstrated strong performance, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli consistently posting quick, stable laps. A standout surprise came from the McLaren MCL40 cars, where Oscar Piastri impressed with pace that could threaten Ferrari’s role as the second-strongest team. The SF-26, in contrast, seemed less stable than in previous races, losing more than four tenths in the opening sector alone.
Long-run race pace
Looking at the long-run simulations, Mercedes remains the benchmark, maintaining lap times between high 1:34s and low 1:35s. Closest challengers are Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari and Oscar Piastri in the McLaren. Both drivers consistently ran in the 1:35s range, putting them ahead of the rest of the field as primary pursuers of the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton, however, continues to struggle with car balance, repeatedly mentioning over team radio that he lacks confidence at Suzuka. Among other leading contenders, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull showed uneven pace. The No. 3 car started FP2 well above the 1:36 mark, gradually improving lap by lap, but still not matching the rhythm of the direct competitors.
Looking ahead
Ferrari will need to focus on fine-tuning energy management and chassis balance to improve qualifying performance. While Mercedes still looks dominant, the FP2 long runs suggest that Leclerc and Piastri are capable of maintaining pressure and possibly challenging for key points during the race.
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