Piastri Tops FP2 at Suzuka as McLaren Lead Japan GP Pack
Oscar Piastri led McLaren to a dominant Friday at Suzuka, topping the second free practice session for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix with a time of 1:30.133. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) was just 0.092 seconds behind in second, with George Russell third. Lando Norris was fourth for McLaren, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton fifth and sixth for Ferrari.
Hamilton reported having “no confidence” in the car during the closing stages. Norris admitted Friday was “pretty bad” amid balance issues. Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad suffered a gearbox failure after just one lap, while Franco Colapinto was under investigation for weaving near Verstappen.
“We have good pace in the car. The conditions at Suzuka suit us, but qualifying will be tighter,” Piastri told Sky Sports F1. Qualifying takes place on Saturday at 3:00 PM local time, ahead of the race on Sunday, March 29. McLaren’s strength through Suzuka’s high-speed sweeping sectors makes them the clear favourites heading into Saturday.