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3w ago

McLaren Leads Chaotic Japanese GP Practice as FIA Addresses Safety Concerns

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris maintain McLaren's dominance while disruptions from crashes and grass fires prompt swift FIA action ahead of qualifying.

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Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - April 4, 2025 The car of Alpine's Jack Doohan is towed away by marshals after his crash during practice REUTERS/Issei Kato
Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR25 Mercedes spins into the gravel during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 04, 2025 in Suzuka, Japan.

Overview

  • Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in the second practice session, narrowly edging out McLaren teammate Lando Norris for a one-two finish.
  • Four red flags disrupted FP2, including Jack Doohan's high-speed crash and two grass fires caused by sparks from cars, halting the session multiple times.
  • The FIA announced immediate measures to address the grass fire issue, including cutting and dampening grass around the track to prevent further incidents.
  • Yuki Tsunoda impressed in his Red Bull debut during FP1, finishing sixth and just 0.1 seconds behind teammate Max Verstappen, though FP2 proved less fruitful.
  • Max Verstappen struggled with car balance issues, finishing eighth in FP2, highlighting Red Bull's challenges in keeping pace with McLaren's strong start to the season.