Fernando Alonso was the fastest man in a rain-hampered first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, leading the way ahead of the two Ferrari drivers on Formula 1's return to Suzuka.
Alonso set a time of 1m 42.248s to lead Carlos Sainz, in second, by 0.315s, with Charles Leclerc rounding out the top three, 0.386s off Alonso. Esteban Ocon, in the other Alpine, finished fourth, capping off a good FP1 for the French outfit.
Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher where fifth and seventh fastest respectively – although Schumacher would later crash at Turn 7 after the chequered flag had flown – with Max Verstappen sandwiched between the Haas duo in sixth. Sergio Perez rounded out the top 10, behind Lando Norris in eighth and Valtteri Bottas in ninth.
FP1: Alonso leads Sainz and Leclerc in soaking wet first practice at Suzuka
Lewis Hamilton finished in P13, ahead of team mate George Russell in 18th – although his session was shortened as repairs were made to his W13 after an oil leak earlier in the day.
Click on the video player above to watch the action from a wet FP1 at Suzuka, as we get set for FP2 at 1500 local time.
Next Up
Related Articles
Half Term Reports 2025How Aston Martin’s 2025 season has played out so far
Albon believes 2025 is his best season so far in F1
Wheatley turning pressure ‘into something positive’ for Audi arrival
Lifestyle & CultureHow title-challenger Norris is redefining F1 fashion
Lifestyle & CultureWhat the F1 drivers have done during the summer break
Half Term Reports 2025How Williams’ 2025 season has played out so far