FP1: Verstappen leads FP1 at Suzuka as Sargeant crashes out

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen topped the timesheets for Red Bull during the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix. Teammate Sergio Perez followed closely, while Logan Sargeant’s heavy crash in his Williams brought out the red flags.

Check out the results of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

The session began with drivers on medium and hard tires, with Verstappen setting the pace on C1s ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso. Sargeant’s crash at Dunlop Curve halted the session, leaving Williams to assess severe damage without a spare chassis, a challenge reminiscent of their issues in Australia.

After restarting, competitors switched to soft C3 tires. Verstappen clocked a leading 1m 30.056s lap, just two-tenths faster than Perez. Australian GP winner Carlos Sainz took third, followed by Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Fernando Alonso was seventh for Aston Martin, with home favorite Yuki Tsunoda marking eighth between McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Norris. Esteban Ocon placed 11th, ahead of Alex Albon and Nico Hulkenberg, who received a black-and-white flag.

Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa made his debut, driving Daniel Ricciardo’s RB to 15th. Positions 17th to 19th went to Pierre Gasly, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen respectively, with Sargeant last after his crash.

As teams review data from the session, they prepare for the second practice scheduled at 1500 local time.

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