F1 Japanese GP live coverage: Practice 1 updates as Ferrari and Mercedes test 2026 aero at Suzuka. Join us for live coverage of Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.

F1 Japan GP 2026, FP1: Suzuka’s first practice session kicks off at 3:30 CET – Live

Good evening to all our readers at ScuderiaFans.com. We are live to bring you coverage of the first practice session of the 2026 Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka, which will start at 3:30 AM CET and conclude at 4:30 AM. This will be a standard opening session, as Formula 1 returns to the usual weekend format with three practice sessions following the China GP Sprint format, before the long break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

FP1: key themes on Friday

Even on this first day, there are plenty of important topics to watch. Teams will be gathering crucial data to manage battery performance on Suzuka’s challenging circuit, which, due to its limited heavy braking zones, is unlikely to give much breathing room for the power units’ regeneration systems. Attention will also be focused on Mercedes, which has so far dispelled rivals’ concerns over the front wing’s performance.

With so many technical elements to monitor, FP1 promises to be a fast-paced start to the weekend, with teams and drivers pushing hard to collect data and optimize their cars for Suzuka’s unique challenges.

Follow live coverage

It’s a day packed with action at full speed, and our live commentary will cover every detail minute by minute. Fans can follow all the updates, analysis, and on-track developments in the live video stream below.