Carlos Sainz has been cleared by stewards after an investigation into whether he deliberately slowed in front of Liam Lawson during Japanese GP practice. Officials accepted his explanation that he was avoiding impeding another car on a fast lap, with team radio evidence supporting his claim.
Max Verstappen endured a difficult Friday at Suzuka, finishing 10th in FP2 and lamenting a severe lack of balance in his Red Bull. The team tried two opposite setups with no success, leaving Verstappen pessimistic about quick fixes for the rest of the Japanese GP weekend.
Aston Martin has subtly changed its tune regarding rumors of hiring ex-Audi director Jonathan Wheatley. While affirming Adrian Newey remains team principal, ambassador Pedro de la Rosa stated a move is "not for the time being," leaving the door open for a future leadership reshuffle that could see Wheatley join and Newey focus purely on technical direction.
Mercedes locked out the top two spots in first practice for the Japanese GP, but McLaren and Ferrari are within three-tenths. A heavily upgraded Red Bull, with Max Verstappen at the wheel, languished in seventh, over seven-tenths behind, signaling a potentially tight and unpredictable weekend at Suzuka.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are being investigated by the FIA after a near-miss in Japanese GP practice. Verstappen, on a fast lap, had to swerve to avoid a slow-moving Hamilton at Turn 15, leading to an angry radio message and a formal stewards' inquiry.
George Russell led a Mercedes front-row lockout in first practice for the Japanese GP, narrowly beating teammate Kimi Antonelli. McLaren and Ferrari followed closely, while Aston Martin's struggles and several on-track incidents marked the opening session at Suzuka.
Lewis Hamilton is under investigation for an off-broadcast incident with rival Max Verstappen during Japanese GP practice. They are two of six drivers summoned by stewards, with Carlos Sainz, Liam Lawson, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez also involved in separate on-track incidents.
George Russell led a Mercedes one-two in first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, beating teammate Kimi Antonelli by 0.026s at Suzuka. McLaren showed promising pace behind, while Aston Martin's struggles with its Honda power unit continued at the back of the field.
Mercedes set the early pace in Japanese GP practice with George Russell leading a 1-2, while Alex Albon's session ended under investigation after a clash with Sergio Perez. Lando Norris recovered to third for McLaren in a disrupted opening hour at Suzuka.
George Russell led a Mercedes 1-2 in first practice for the 2026 Japanese GP, with Kimi Antonelli impressing in second. Lando Norris's McLaren was best of the rest, while Ferrari and Red Bull trailed, offering an early snapshot of F1's new era featuring several rookie drivers.
Honda's F1 chief has suggested Aston Martin's chassis is partly to blame for the severe vibrations affecting their 2026 car, stating the power unit met acceptable levels before integration. This public dispute highlights major technical hurdles for the new works partnership.
Follow every session of the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka with PlanetF1.com's live timing. Track real-time lap data, gaps, and sector times throughout practice, qualifying, and the race on Sunday, March 29th. Note the Daylight Saving Time change for UK viewers, with the race starting at 6:00 AM GMT.
