The opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix saw George Russell go fastest. Image: XPB Images
George Russell topped opening practice for the Japanese Grand Prix with a 1m32.741s to lead a Mercedes 1-2 ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli at Suzuka.
Lando Norris edged McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to secure third, with the pair finishing just behind the leading Mercedes drivers.
Charles Leclerc was fifth for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, while Max Verstappen endured a low-key session in seventh, one place ahead of Liam Lawson.
Esteban Ocon and Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10, with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg following for Audi.
Second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix gets underway at 3pm local time (5pm AEDT).
Results: Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, Free Practice 1
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Pos.
No.
Driver
Team
Time / Gap
Laps
1
63
George Russell
Mercedes
1:31.666
27
2
12
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.026s
26
3
1
Lando Norris
McLaren
+0.132s
20
4
81
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.199s
23
5
16
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.289s
25
6
44
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.374s
23
7
3
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
+0.791s
27
8
30
Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
+0.863s
27
9
31
Esteban Ocon
Haas F1 Team
+0.935s
23
10
41
Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+0.999s
29
11
5
Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
+1.093s
27
12
27
Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
+1.132s
26
13
6
Isack Hadjar
Red Bull Racing
+1.137s
27
14
87
Oliver Bearman
Haas F1 Team
+1.234s
27
15
10
Pierre Gasly
Alpine
+1.312s
25
16
43
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
+1.695s
24
17
55
Carlos Sainz
Williams
+1.717s
26
18
23
Alexander Albon
Williams
+2.031s
22
19
11
Sergio Perez
Cadillac
+2.555s
18
20
77
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
+2.824s
24
21
18
Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
+3.628s
22
22
34
Jak Crawford
Aston Martin
+4.696s
11
