Overview
- Lando Norris topped the first practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, continuing McLaren's strong start to the 2025 season.
- Mercedes' George Russell finished second, just 0.163 seconds behind Norris, showcasing competitive pace.
- Yuki Tsunoda, making his Red Bull debut after replacing Liam Lawson, secured sixth place and showed promise on his home track.
- Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished third and fourth, respectively, as they aim to recover from setbacks in China.
- Max Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with his car's performance, citing flexing issues during the session, while teammate Oscar Piastri struggled, finishing 15th.