Practice session highlights at Suzuka spark Formula 1’s return to Japan
Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, racing for Alpine, clocked the fastest time in the opening practice of the Japanese Grand Prix, held at the Suzuka circuit in Mie, central Japan. His best lap of 1:42.248 set the tone for a morning dominated by rain, as a persistent downpour drenched the asphalt and limited track conditions. Close on his heels was teammate Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, who finished the session just behind Alonso and demonstrated strong pace despite the wet track. Charles Leclerc, also driving for Ferrari, sat in third place, continuing the team’s promising start to the weekend and underscoring Ferrari’s competitive form on a tricky Suzuka surface.
In the broader championship picture, the current leader of the World Championship standings is Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who finished the session in sixth place. His teammate, Sergio Pérez, followed in tenth, illustrating the evolving balance of performance within the team as the season progresses. The early pace among the top teams suggested a potentially tight struggle across qualifying and the race, with several drivers adapting to the challenges posed by rain-soaked runoffs and slick corners.
The wet conditions contributed to a number of incidents and near-misses as drivers navigated Suzuka’s demanding layout. One notable moment involved Mick Schumacher of Haas, who reported losing control at the exit of a corner during the session. He avoided a crash with the barriers and regrouped to complete the session in a competitive position. The on-track drama highlighted the delicate balance required when grip levels are compromised, and the importance of smooth, progressive steering inputs and throttle control in wet weather—skills that teams will refine further ahead of the rest of the weekend’s sessions.
These initial practice runs marked the return of Formula 1 racing to the Suzuka International Racing Course, a circuit that had not hosted a Grand Prix since 2019. The schedule for the weekend includes a second practice session later on Friday, followed by third practice and the crucial qualifying session on Saturday. Sunday will bring the race itself, with teams and drivers aiming to translate early speed and reliability gained in the wet into strong performance under dry conditions. The Suzuka event has long been a fan favorite for its combination of high-speed straights, technical corners, and the distinctive atmosphere that makes it a centerpiece of the season, particularly for teams developing their setups to maximize aero efficiency and tire management under changing weather scenarios. As teams gather more data from the damp track, engineers will work to optimize brake temperatures, tire choices, and suspension settings to maintain competitive balance across the weekend’s sessions. Fans can expect a weekend that tests driver skill and strategy, with weather volatility potentially shaping who leads the pack as the action intensifies on track.