Max Verstappen took the lead in the opening practice of the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris in a jam-packed Suzuka practice.
Charles Leclerc came in fourth marking an impressive session for Ferrari. Meanwhile, AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda placed a surprise fifth, followed by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in sixth.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished in seventh place as Williams’ Alex Albon came in at number eight, followed by Liam Lawson at number nine. Lance Stroll, who had recovered from his injury in Singapore, rounded out the top 10.
The two-time world champion was the first driver on the track and immediately demonstrated a clear intention to dominate the session as Red Bull tried to atone for a disappointing showing at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen took 15 minutes to edge out the McLarens at the top of the timesheets by 1.6 seconds, underlining the potential of Red Bull’s performance this weekend.
However, the Dutchman was less than impressed with George Russell’s attempts to move out of his way during an early-session fast lap, despite the fact that he had little to complain about during FP1.
Replays revealed that the Mercedes driver was making every effort to move aside, even getting into the grass as he maneuvered through sector one’s narrow space.
After his soft tyre run, Carlos Sainz, who has been driving brilliantly for Ferrari lately, was only six tenths behind Max Verstappen and four tenths ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. In the event that Red Bull fades this weekend, it would seem that Ferrari is best positioned to pick up the pieces.
Sergio Perez came in 11th, more than a second behind his Red Bull teammate, and will undoubtedly try to do better in practice two as Ferrari appears set to capitalize on any mistakes.
Carlos Sainz, who was covered in flow-viz paint as he exited the pits early in the session thanks to McLaren, was one of the drivers who tested tyres for Pirelli.
Logan Sargeant had an encounter off the track at the second Degner curve but managed to keep his Williams undamaged despite a bumpy ride across the kerbs. Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton both suffered the same encounter in an effort to get more time out of their cars later in the practice.
As FP2 approaches, the teams will now be working diligently to perfect their cars in preparation for their second run at Suzuka.
2023 Japanese Grand Prix Free Practice 1 Results
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Car | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing Honda Rbpt | 1:31.647 | 25 | |
| 2 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:32.273 | +0.626s | 24 |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | Mclaren Mercedes | 1:32.392 | +0.745s | 24 |
| 4 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:32.574 | +0.927s | 25 |
| 5 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Alphatauri Honda Rbpt | 1:32.597 | +0.950s | 21 |
| 6 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:32.650 | +1.003s | 23 |
| 7 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | Mclaren Mercedes | 1:32.713 | +1.066s | 26 |
| 8 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams Mercedes | 1:32.991 | +1.344s | 24 |
| 9 | 40 | Liam Lawson | Alphatauri Honda Rbpt | 1:33.005 | +1.358s | 28 |
| 10 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:33.040 | +1.393s | 17 |
| 11 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull Racing Honda Rbpt | 1:33.043 | +1.396s | 25 |
| 12 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault | 1:33.129 | +1.482s | 23 |
| 13 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:33.310 | +1.663s | 24 |
| 14 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas Ferrari | 1:33.448 | +1.801s | 24 |
| 15 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine Renault | 1:33.516 | +1.869s | 22 |
| 16 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:33.699 | +2.052s | 22 |
| 17 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo Ferrari | 1:33.860 | +2.213s | 24 |
| 18 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas Ferrari | 1:33.975 | +2.328s | 23 |
| 19 | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams Mercedes | 1:34.212 | +2.565s | 27 |
| 20 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Alfa Romeo Ferrari | 1:34.831 | +3.184s | 23 |
