Japanese GP Recap: Lando Norris Tops FP1, Tsunoda Shines in Sixth for Red Bull!

Lando Norris showed impressive skill in the first practice session for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. He dealt with a few tricky moments, including a near spin at the Casio Triangle and a quick detour onto the gravel. However, he bounced back to set the fastest time, clocking in at 1:28.549 on soft tires.

Norris’s time put him ahead of George Russell by 0.163 seconds. Russell had previously topped the charts during both medium and soft tire runs until Norris’s clean lap. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton followed in third and fourth respectively, with Leclerc admitting he had issues with car deceleration. Hamilton was just slightly ahead of Max Verstappen, who had reported some struggles with his car’s performance.

Yuki Tsunoda, making his official debut with Red Bull, was an exciting highlight of the session. He finished just 0.107 seconds behind Verstappen and expressed his intrigue about driving the RB21. His performance signaled a strong start after moving up from the Racing Bulls team, showing he could be a competitive asset.

Fernando Alonso joined the top seven, ahead of Isack Hadjar. Meanwhile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top ten. Both faced challenges during longer runs, with Sainz struggling with the sharper handling of his car after a setup change.

Interestingly, this season has brought a lot of attention to young drivers in F1. According to recent data from the FIA, nearly 40% of drivers on the grid are under 30, showcasing a new wave of talent. Social media has been buzzing with discussions about how these young drivers, including Tsunoda and Antonelli, are reshaping the sport’s future.

In contrast, the legends of F1, like Hamilton and Alonso, still maintain their place in the sport, showing that experience can still reign supreme. This dynamic between seasoned players and fresh talent adds an exciting layer to the competition.

Alpine’s reserve driver, Ryo Hirakawa, stood out by finishing his first session in 12th place, just a hair ahead of Pierre Gasly. Oscar Piastri, unable to secure a competitive lap, found himself in 15th position after his McLaren posed some challenges.

As excitement builds towards the race, fans are eager to see how these practice results translate into qualifying and the main event. With such a mix of talent on display, the Japanese GP is shaping up to be a thrilling contest on all fronts.

For detailed statistics and analysis, you can check the official Formula 1 page here.

Source link

Formula 1,Japanese GP,Suzuka