McLaren Shows Surprising Pace in Japan Practice
Oscar Piastri led a McLaren one-two at the top of the timesheets in second practice at Suzuka, signaling a potential turnaround for the struggling champions. Mercedes was close behind, but Ferrari and a deeply off-the-pace Red Bull were left trailing on a day that reshuffled the competitive order.
McLaren emerged as the surprise package in Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri setting the fastest time and outpacing the early-season-leading Mercedes team. After a troubled start to the 2026 season, the reigning constructors' champions showed significant improvement at Suzuka, while Red Bull's struggles deepened with a worrying lack of pace.
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