F1, Max Verstappen shines in first free practice at Suzuka
Good race pace of Ferrari, Leclerc sixth
First free practice session in Suzuka, site of the Japanese GP. Verstappen set the fastest time on track, stopping the clock at 1'30"056. The Dutchman appeared in great form, as did Perez's other Red Bull, which placed second at the end of Free Practice 1 with a time of 1'30"237. However, the two Ferraris did not disappoint, especially on the race pace.
Sainz, fresh from his success at the Australian GP, maintained a high performance on the track, finishing with the third fastest time of the day (1'30"269). Behind him came the two Mercedes cars of Russell and Hamilton. Leclerc did not push as hard but got good responses from his single-seater (sixth place finish). Also in the top 10 were Alonso, Piastri, Tsunoda and Norris.
Also of note in the first free practice session was the accident that occurred to Sargeant. The Williams driver è ended up in the wall, significantly damaging his single-seater, which, in fact, did not participate in the second free practice. Already last season, Sargeant was the protagonist of an accident in Suzuka, a circuit that does not forgive the slightest mistake.
