First Free Practice Results 2024 Japanese F1 Grand Prix
Event: Japanese Grand Prix
Track: Suzuka Circuit
Weather: dry 17.0°C
Tarmac: dry 25.0°C
Humidity : 42.0%
Wind : 3.9 km/h South
Suzuka Sets the Stage for an Electrifying Start to the Japanese Grand Prix Weekend
As the Formula 1 circus pitched its tents at the historic Suzuka circuit for the fourth round of the exhilarating 2024 season, the air was charged with anticipation and the promise of high-speed drama. This weekend marks a significant shift in the racing calendar, with Japan welcoming the F1 entourage in the blossoming throes of spring rather than the autumnal farewell of seasons past. This early-season visit has injected a fresh zest into the paddock, with drivers and teams alike reveling in the novelty of competing on this legendary track at a different time of year.
Friday's opening practice session did not disappoint, offering a compelling narrative of speed, strategy, and the occasional spin. Reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, underlined his and Red Bull Racing's credentials by topping the time sheets with a blistering lap of 1m 30.056s, signaling his intent to reassert dominance after a stumble in Australia. The session was also notable for the performance of the Mercedes pair, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton placing fourth and fifth, respectively, defying expectations on a track not predicted to play to their strengths.
However, the session was not without its casualties. Williams' Logan Sargeant experienced an early end to his practice after a crash that would see his team facing a race against time to ready the car for the afternoon session. Similarly, Ayumu Iwasa's debut session for Red Bull, while a milestone for the young driver, was more about gaining experience than setting the time sheets alight.
As the teams dissect the data from FP1, several narratives are beginning to unfold. Aston Martin's decision to run split set-ups between Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll hints at an exploratory approach to unlocking performance, while Ferrari and McLaren's competitive showings suggest a tight battle ahead. Mercedes' unexpectedly strong start will also be under scrutiny; can they maintain this momentum through to Saturday, or will the specter of their recent "Saturday dip" haunt them once more?
Off the track, the paddock buzzes with speculation. Carlos Sainz's stunning victory in Melbourne continues to echo, with eyes now firmly on Ferrari's potential in Japan. McLaren, buoyed by memories of last year's success here, remain quietly confident, even as they acknowledge the stiff competition from their rivals.
As we look ahead to FP2, the possibility of changing weather conditions adds another layer of intrigue. Teams and drivers will need to be nimble in their strategies, with the threat of rain potentially upending the conventional wisdom gleaned from the morning's dry session.
In sum, the stage is set for a weekend of high drama in Suzuka. With the championship still in its early days, every lap, every decision, and every second lost or gained could have far-reaching implications in the title race. As the paddock readies itself for the next chapter in this captivating season, the only certainty is the promise of more thrills, spills, and heart-stopping action on one of F1's most revered stages.
1:31,647 min was the quickest lap time in FP1 of the last year set by Max Verstappen in the Red Bull RB19.
FP1 Times Table 2024 Japanese GP
| P | No | Driver | Team | Time | 1st Gap | Laps | Tyres |
| 1 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:30,056 | 18 | S | |
| 2 | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | 1:30,237 | +0,181s | 18 | S |
| 3 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:30,269 | +0,213s | 20 | S |
| 4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:30,530 | +0,474s | 18 | S |
| 5 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:30,543 | +0,487s | 23 | S |
| 6 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:30,558 | +0,502s | 18 | S |
| 7 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:30,599 | +0,543s | 20 | S |
| 8 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:31,165 | +1,109s | 23 | S |
| 9 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | 1:31,230 | +1,174s | 20 | S |
| 10 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:31,240 | +1,184s | 22 | S |
| 11 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:31,935 | +1,879s | 19 | S |
| 12 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:31,943 | +1,887s | 18 | S |
| 13 | 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | 1:31,958 | +1,902s | 19 | S |
| 14 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | 1:32,054 | +1,998s | 17 | M |
| 15 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:32,055 | +1,999s | 17 | S |
| 16 | 40 | Ayumu Iwasa | Racing Bulls | 1:32,103 | +2,047s | 22 | S |
| 17 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:32,277 | +2,221s | 23 | S |
| 18 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | 1:32,638 | +2,582s | 18 | M |
| 19 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 1:32,803 | +2,747s | 21 | S |
| 20 | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1:33,204 | +3,148s | 10 | M |
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Logan got lucky his unnecessary risk-taking at Dunlop didn't cause monocoque damage.
Fortunately, only the front wing & a bit of rear wing got damaged, but letting the car go wide enough to touch the gravel was still a pointless risk.