Max fastest in FP1 of Japanese Grand Prix

Published on 05 April 2024 by Misha van der Kroon

Max Verstappen has driven fastest during the first free training of the Japanese Grand Prix. The reigning world champion has again shown that he is the man to beat this weekend. On the 5.807 meter long and challenging Suzuka track, Oracle Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez came second, and Carlos Sainz driving for Ferrari came third. The two Mercedes, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, completed the top five.

At the start of the first free practice it’s a dry 16 degrees. It’s the hardest Pirelli tyres that the audience will see appear on this track, given the demanding nature of the Suzuka circuit. The drivers also get the option to test the newest version of the C2-tyre, meant to debut in 2024. At RB, rookie Ayamu Iwasa is making his debut in Formula 1. The Japanese driver is driving in Daniel Ricciardo stead. 

When the lights turn green, the track is immediately busy. Max also goes to track early. The three-time World Champion heads back to the pits after just one lap, while Lando Norris sets the first time. In the RB garage, the mechanics are working hard on Iwasa’s car, which does not help him make many kilometres in this session. 

About ten minutes into the session, Max reappears on the track on a set of hard tyres. His first flying lap puts him in P9, just over eight-tenths behind Lando Norris, who currently is still in P1. Verstappen had quite a bit of traffic during his flying lap. Both Ferrari’s and Red Bulls are on the hard tyres, while the Mercedes and McLarens on the mediums. This makes comparing the times a bit difficult. They have finished their work in the RB garage, and Iwasa has joined the track as well.

After twenty minutes, Max has reduced the gap to the head of the field to just 0,166 seconds, claiming seventh place at that moment. A little later, he improves his time and climbs to P1, putting Norris at a good three tenths behind him.

With half an hour left on the clock, we see the first riders coming out on soft tyres. Lewis Hamilton jumps to P1, with a time that’s more than nine tenths of a second. Moments later, Logan Sargeant crashes which causes a red flag. The American driver loses his Williams at the end of the Esses, going off track and hitting a pile of tyres. The session is over for Sargeant, and the marshals get busy repairing the tyre stacks. Williams still does not have a spare chassis, so hopefully the team can repair the damage on time.

Both Red Bulls are on the soft tyres when the lights go green again. Max sets two purple sectors and takes over P1 from Hamilton. Perez joins in P2 ahead of Carlos Sainz. Verstappen then returns to the pits. Iwasa’s debut in F1 is going well so far. The Japanese driver is currently fourteenth, just behind Bottas and ahead of the Alpines.

With seven minutes to go, Max takes to the track again, He has put the hard tyres back on his RB20, which indicates that he won’t aim for an improvement of his time. The other drivers also do not improve their times, and with Max on top of the timesheets, the first free practice session comes to an end.

Contest GP Japan: win a by Max signed Verstappen.com Racing cap!

Results first free practice Japan: