Norris sets early pace in Japan as Tsunoda makes solid Red Bull debut

Lando Norris topped first practice for McLaren at the Japanese Grand Prix as Yuki Tsunoda made a solid start to his Red Bull debut.

Just moments after having gone off track as he struggled with the handling of his MCL39, Norris delivered a time of 1:28.549s to beat Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.163s.

Despite setting the fastest time, the Drivers’ Championship leader sounded agitated over team radio as he complained of tyre graining during his longer run later in the session, while his team-mate Oscar Piastri was only 15th after making errors on his flying lap attempts.

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were third and fourth, respectively, ahead of Max Verstappen in fifth, who was a just over a tenth of a second ahead of his new team-mate Tsunoda in sixth.

Tsunoda was remarkably promoted to Red Bull from junior team Racing Bulls just two races into the season, with Liam Lawson demoted little more than three months after the Milton Keynes squad had chosen the New Zealander to be Verstappen’s team-mate for the 2025 season.

Being just a tenth back from the reigning world champion represented an encouraging start for Tsunoda at his home race, although there did appear to be a more significant gulf during their longer runs later in the session.

Speaking over team radio at the end of the session, Tsunoda said: “I found the car interesting on the track. But it’s ok. Good sesh (session).”

Lawson was 13th on his return to Racing Bulls, where he had made his previous 11 grands prix appearances before being fast-tracked into a Red Bull seat. He was out-performed by team-mate Isack Hadjar, who continued an impressive start to his rookie campaign by taking eighth.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the session, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “That’s a positive start for Yuki. He knows the circuit very well here.

“His feedback is very clear, very concise in the car. It’s just the start of his journey with the team and there’s plenty to get into.”

Fernando Alonso was seventh for Aston Martin, while Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was unable to match Russell’s pace in ninth.

Carlos Sainz showed signs of progress in his adjustment to driving for Williams following his move from Ferrari, as he edged out team-mate Alex Albon for 10th.

McLaren fastest despite unconvincing start

McLaren arrived in Japan as clear favourites with Norris and Piastri having shared a win apiece over the opening two rounds, but the reigning constructors’ champions appeared far from comfortable in Friday’s opening session.

Norris repeatedly struggled to control his car through Turns 16 and 17 in the final sector, and eventually pushed beyond the limit as he ran onto the gravel.

However, the fact he was then able to go fastest despite clearly not having found an optimal setup should serve as a warning to the chasing pack.

The only driver that looked capable of challenging McLaren on the evidence of first practice was Russell, who was strong throughout the session and appeared to fare favourably in terms of tyre graining on his longer run.

The Ferraris, looking to bounce back from a double disqualification in China last time out, were either side of half a second back from Norris, and would appear to still be attempting to overcome the setup issues that have resulted in a turbulent start to the season.

While Tsunoda’s performance was encouraging, Verstappen was also more than half a second back from Norris and complained of “super weird” flexing on his car during a display that suggests the Dutchman will have a tough time repeating his dominant Suzuka victory of 12 months ago.

Sky Sports F1’s live Japanese GP schedule

Friday April 4

• 6.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7am)*
• 8.15am: The F1 Show*

Saturday April 5

• 3.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3.30am)*
• 6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
• 7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
• 9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*

Sunday April 6

• 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
• 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
• 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
• 9am: Ted’s Notebook*

*also live on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula is at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime