Japanese GP: Verstappen 7th as Albon Crashes & Honda Seek Improvement

Russell Sets the Pace in First Suzuka Practice, Antonelli Impresses

George Russell of Mercedes topped the timesheets in the first practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, edging out Kimi Antonelli in a promising start to the weekend. The session, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, saw Russell clock a fastest lap time, although young gun Antonelli demonstrated impressive pace. The session wasn’t without incident, with several drivers experiencing challenges navigating the tricky conditions at the iconic Suzuka circuit.

A Session of Mixed Fortunes

The opening practice session provided a first look at aerodynamic upgrades brought to the track by several teams. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, sporting new side pods, floor, and engine cover, finished seventh, 0.791 seconds off Russell’s pace. Both Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris encountered difficulties at the challenging Spoon Corner, where a tailwind on entry proved problematic. The Race provided detailed coverage of the session’s key moments.

Antonelli’s Strong Showing

Kimi Antonelli’s performance in second place is particularly noteworthy. While details regarding his team and car were not provided, his position ahead of established Formula 1 drivers signals a potentially bright future for the young racer. The session offered valuable track time for Antonelli to acclimate to the demands of the Suzuka circuit.

Challenges and Incidents

The session wasn’t without its share of drama. Williams driver Alex Albon had a tough outing, first running off track and hitting the wall at Degner Two, a notoriously demanding corner. Later, he was involved in an incident with Sergio Perez of Racing Bulls at the chicane, with Albon diving to the inside and Perez seemingly unaware of his presence. The Racing Bulls team also saw Liam Lawson finish eighth and Arvid Lindblad in tenth, sandwiching Esteban Ocon of Haas.

Engine Updates and Aerodynamic Adjustments

Several teams arrived in Japan with significant upgrades. Honda, seeking to improve performance on its home track after a challenging start to the season, has implemented changes aimed at addressing engine-vibration issues that have caused reliability problems and driver discomfort. Aston Martin also debuted an aerodynamic upgrade package, including a new engine cover and front-of-floor furniture. These updates demonstrate the ongoing commitment to development within Formula 1. PlanetF1 offered predictions for the 2026 season, highlighting the competitive landscape.

Aston Martin and the Young Driver Program

Aston Martin utilized the session for its mandatory young driver day, with American reserve driver Jak Crawford taking the wheel of Fernando Alonso’s car. Crawford finished 22nd, slightly over a second slower than Lance Stroll in the other Aston Martin. This provides valuable experience for developing talent within the team’s program.

What Happens Next?

Teams will now analyze the data collected during the first practice session to refine their setups for the remainder of the weekend. The second practice session will be crucial for further evaluating the upgrades and optimizing performance for qualifying and the race. It remains unclear how the track conditions will evolve throughout the weekend, but teams will be closely monitoring the weather and adapting their strategies accordingly. GPblog provided a detailed analysis of the Friday practice session at Monza, offering insights into team performance and strategies.

The Japanese Grand Prix continues to be a pivotal event in the Formula 1 calendar, and this first practice session has set the stage for an exciting weekend of racing.