F1, Japanese GP: in free practice 1 Mercedes ahead of everyone

In the first free practice session at Suzuka, site of the Japanese GP (third round of the World Championship), Mercedes confirmed that it has a superior pace to all its opponents. As happened in the first two stages of the season, the Silver Arrows shine brighter than anyone else. Well McLaren managed to stay ahead of the two Ferraris of Leclerc and Hamilton.

The fastest on the track was Russell, who set the best time of 1’31″666. Behind him was his teammate Antonelli, just 26 thousandths off the pace. Curiously, behind the two Mercedes were the McLarens of Norris and Piastri. Next, the two Ferraris of Leclerc, off by 289 thousandths, and Hamilton, 374 thousandths behind Russell. Seventh place for Verstappen.

Also on the race pace, the Mercedes showed significant superiotiy that, in view of the race, worries the rivals a lot. Not bad for Ferrari, which still seems to have an advantage over the pursuers, although McLaren seems to have improved a lot. Definitely in trouble the Red Bull with Verstappen lagging behind and Hadjar far from the leaders (13th).

It should be noted that, in this first free practice session, Crawford replaced, at the wheel of the Aston Martin, the veteran Alonso. The Spaniard, along with Hamilton, Bottas and Verstappen (the latter the winner of the last four editions) are the only drivers in Sunday’s race who have won the Japanese GP.