Russell Leads Mercedes One-Two in Japanese GP Practice as McLaren Shows Promise
George Russell set the pace in the opening practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, leading a strong performance from Mercedes with teammate Kimi Antonelli finishing just behind him. The session marked an encouraging start for Mercedes, who secured a one-two result ahead of their rivals, with Lando Norris placing third for McLaren.
Russell edged out Antonelli by an incredibly narrow margin of just 0.026 seconds, highlighting how closely matched the two drivers were throughout the session. Both drivers traded fastest lap times during the middle portion of the session, demonstrating Mercedes’ improved competitiveness as they aim to challenge for stronger results this season.
Antonelli, who recently celebrated his maiden Formula One victory in China, continued to impress with another composed performance. The young driver’s consistency and pace indicate that he is quickly adapting to the demands of the sport, and his presence alongside Russell is proving to be a valuable asset for the Mercedes team.
Norris, the reigning world champion, finished just 0.132 seconds behind Russell. His performance signaled a positive step forward for McLaren after a difficult start to the 2026 season. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed closely behind in fourth place, just 0.199 seconds off the leading time. For Piastri, the session was particularly significant, as he has faced a disrupted start to the season.
Aside from participating in the sprint race in Shanghai, Piastri had yet to complete a full racing lap in 2026 prior to this weekend. Both McLaren cars suffered from battery-related failures before the start of the Chinese Grand Prix, forcing early retirements and limiting valuable track time. Therefore, their strong showing in Japan provided a much-needed confidence boost for the team as they look to recover momentum.
Behind the front runners, Ferrari placed both of its drivers in the top six. Charles Leclerc finished fifth, 0.289 seconds off Russell’s benchmark, while Lewis Hamilton secured sixth position, just 0.085 seconds behind his teammate. Leclerc’s session included a minor off-track moment at the challenging Spoon Curve, a double left-hand corner that frequently tests drivers’ precision and car balance.
Despite the error, Leclerc managed to recover and set his fastest lap on soft tyres after completing several laps, demonstrating Ferrari’s underlying pace. Hamilton also showed competitive speed, although both drivers will likely aim to close the gap to Mercedes and McLaren as the weekend progresses.
Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing, finished seventh in the session, trailing the leader by 0.791 seconds. Red Bull introduced a series of aerodynamic upgrades for this race, including modifications to the side pods, floor, and engine cover. These updates are part of the team’s ongoing efforts to enhance performance and address any weaknesses identified earlier in the season.
However, Verstappen’s session was not without challenges. Like Norris, he struggled at the Spoon Curve, where a tailwind on corner entry made it difficult to maintain stability. This section of the track proved tricky for several drivers, emphasizing the importance of precision and adaptability at the Japanese circuit.
Further down the order, Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad secured eighth and tenth positions respectively, with Esteban Ocon placing ninth for Haas. Their performances reflected a competitive midfield battle, where small margins can significantly impact grid positions.
The session proved particularly difficult for Alex Albon of Williams. Albon endured a challenging outing, including running off track and hitting the wall at the demanding Degner Two corner. This section of the circuit is known for its technical difficulty, and Albon’s incident highlighted the risks involved.
Later in the session, Albon experienced another setback when he collided with Sergio Perez, who was driving for Cadillac. The collision occurred at the chicane, where Perez appeared not to notice Albon attempting an inside move. The contact resulted in a spin for Albon, compounding what was already a frustrating session.
At the back of the field, Aston Martin struggled to find competitive pace. The team is under particular scrutiny this weekend, as their engine partner Honda aims to demonstrate improvements on home soil following a difficult start to the season.
American reserve driver Jak Crawford took part in the session as part of Aston Martin’s mandatory young driver program, stepping in for Fernando Alonso. Crawford finished 22nd, just over a second slower than Lance Stroll, who was 21st.
Honda has introduced several technical changes aimed at addressing engine vibration issues that have plagued the team. These problems have not only affected reliability but also caused discomfort for drivers, making improvements essential for both performance and safety.
In addition to engine updates, Aston Martin has implemented aerodynamic upgrades for the Japanese Grand Prix, including a revised engine cover and modifications to the front floor area. These changes are intended to improve airflow and overall car efficiency, potentially helping the team move up the grid in the coming sessions.
Overall, the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix provided valuable insights into the current competitive landscape of Formula One. Mercedes’ strong showing suggests they could be serious contenders this weekend, while McLaren’s improved performance offers hope after a challenging start to the season.
Ferrari remains within striking distance, though they will need to refine their pace, while Red Bull continues to experiment with upgrades in pursuit of optimal performance. The midfield battle appears tightly contested, and teams like Racing Bulls and Haas will be looking to capitalize on any opportunities.
As the weekend unfolds, teams will analyze data from this session to fine-tune their setups and strategies. With qualifying and the race still to come, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable Japanese Grand Prix.
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