Key Highlights:
Championship leader Lando Norris once again underlined McLaren’s commanding start to the F1 Japanese Grand Prix weekend by finishing fastest in Saturday’s final practice session at the Suzuka Circuit. Norris clocked an impressive 1:27.965, narrowly edging out teammate Oscar Piastri by just 0.026 seconds to secure a McLaren one-two.
This performance builds on McLaren’s dominance across the weekend. Norris was also quickest in Friday’s first practice, while Piastri claimed victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, making it clear that the Woking-based team is setting the early pace in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Fire Disruptions Return at Suzuka
Despite the fast times and competitive displays, the session was overshadowed once again by trackside fire incidents, mirroring disruptions from Friday. As cars sparked over dry grass patches, flames ignited on the circuit’s edges, triggering two red flag stoppages.
A fire was first reported just 10 minutes into the session, and a second, more disruptive flare-up occurred in the final minutes. The cause appears to be consistent: sparks from car underfloors igniting the dry grass along the trackside, a phenomenon becoming more frequent due to the aggressive ride heights and downforce settings teams are using this season.
Top Six Times from Final Practice
| Position | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:27.965 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.026 |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | +0.318 |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.387 |
| 5 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.421 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +0.445 |
Tsunoda Impresses on Red Bull Debut
Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda, recently promoted to Red Bull’s senior team in place of Liam Lawson, put in a composed performance to finish ninth fastest on his home circuit. Sharing his thoughts on team radio, Tsunoda said he was “overall very happy” with how the car was handling, raising local expectations ahead of Sunday’s race.
Jack Doohan Returns After Crash
Alpine’s Jack Doohan made a confident return after a serious crash during Friday’s second practice session. The team worked through the night to repair the damaged chassis, and Doohan managed a respectable 14th fastest, an encouraging sign given the severity of his earlier incident.
Scare for Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto experienced a terrifying moment late in the session when he veered off-track after reporting a mechanical issue with his tyre. Despite the scare, Bortoleto escaped without damage and was visibly shaken but safe. He ended the session 17th fastest.
Rain Threat Looms Over Race Day
Race day forecasts predict rain on Sunday, adding another layer of unpredictability to what has already been a dramatic weekend in Japan. Wet conditions could significantly impact strategy, tyre choices, and visibility on the high-speed Suzuka layout.
What’s Next: Qualifying Ahead
The all-important qualifying session is scheduled for later Saturday, where all eyes will be on McLaren to see if they can convert their practice dominance into a front-row lockout. Red Bull and Ferrari are expected to counter with strategic tweaks, especially with changing weather conditions on the horizon.
The F1 Japanese Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most eventful rounds of the 2025 season so far. With McLaren asserting dominance, trackside fires raising safety concerns, and rain expected on race day, Suzuka is offering up high drama both on and off the asphalt.
Fans will be closely watching whether Lando Norris can continue his strong form and take his second win of the season—or whether rivals like Max Verstappen and George Russell will rise to the occasion in qualifying and the race.
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