F1 2025 Japanese GP FP1 results: Lando Norris goes fastest in FP1; Yuki Tsunoda also shines

The Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix took off with an impressive debut made by Yuki Tsunoda. The Red Bull driver was the sixth fastest in the FP1 session, showing some glimmer of hope for his team. McLaren’s Lando Norris set the quickest lap time, beating George Russell and Charles Leclerc.

The two Ferrari drivers, Charles and Lewis Hamilton, finished in P3 and P4. Fernando Alonso, Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz are the final four drivers who finished inside the points table. Overall, Red Bull would be happy with their progress.

Also Read: ‘Good Bye for now’- Max Verstappen drops bombshell of leaving Red Bull at Japanese GP

Check the F1 2025 Japanese GP FP1 Results

FP1 Session Summary

At the beginning, the two Mercedes drivers, Russell and Antonelli, dominated the grid. As the teams started coming in, Kimi was challenged and pushed to the back end of the grid, while, George stayed in P2 till the end of the session. The most impressive thing about this session was Yuki Tsunoda, who was so comfortable with the car. He was quicker than Max Verstappen at one point, and we hope the Red Bull management will be happy with the transfer.

Williams Racing also had an impressive pace throughout the session, and the car looks more improved compared with China. Initially, McLaren struggled with their race setup, but in the final 20 minutes, they found their pace, and Lando Norris set the fastest lap time.

Oscar Piastri was nowhere near his teammate as he finished in P15, which is a shocker. But we are expecting them to improve in the next session. The Practice session 2 of the Japanese GP starts in 1 hour, and the teams will have a different setup.

Also Read: 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Top 5 Predictions: Yuki Tsunoda & Lewis Hamilton to make a difference