Max Verstappen led a Red Bull one-two from Sergio Perez in final practice. George Russell was third ahead of his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. watch qualifying for the Japanese GP on Saturday at 7am. Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event, with the race on Sunday at 6am.
6:11, UK, Saturday 06 April 2024
Max Verstappen has established himself as the favorite for Japanese Grand Prix qualifying, taking a one-two lead from Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in final practice at Suzuka.
Having ended his run of nine wins in Australia last time out, Verstappen continued what looks to be a strong response from Red Bull as his time of 1:29.563 put him 0.269s clear of Perez.
Mercedes continued to show promise as George Russell took third ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, with the Silver Arrows looking to bounce back from a dismal start to the season.
Fernando Alonso was fifth for Aston Martin ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, who set a fast first sector before making a mistake that left a mystery as to how close the Briton could have come to Verstappen’s top time.
Having ended Verstappen’s streak in Australia, Carlos Sainz was just seventh as Ferrari failed to impress during qualifying simulations.
RB’s Daniel Ricciardo loses the rear of his car and spins on the grass during FP3 at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Despite showing impressive long-term pace earlier in the session, Sainz’s team-mate Charles Leclerc could only manage 10th and expressed his frustration on team radio at being given a lack of time to complete his fast runs in end of session.
Oscar Piastri was eighth for McLaren, while Yuki Tsunoda continued his strong start to the season by finishing ninth on home soil. The Japanese driver’s strong display once again saw him comfortably outpace his under-pressure RB team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who retired before finishing 13th.
With Red Bull also winning a one-two in first practice before rain almost finished Friday’s second session, Verstappen heads into qualifying, live on Sky Sports F1 at 7amas the driver to win.
While the time sheet will be comfortable for world championship leader Verstappen, the Dutchman did not seem entirely happy with the handling of his upgraded RB20 as he complained of understeer during the session.
Watch the highlights during Friday’s first and second practice from the first day of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s deficit to Red Bull, with Sainz six tenths off the pace and Leclerc a further two tenths back, suggests the Italian team may not yet have shown their true pace.
“I think they might be hiding a bit of performance in this last part of FP3.” Sky Sports F1’s said Anthony Davidson.
Having experienced an extremely low level in Melbourne as a lack of pace was compounded by a double DNF, Mercedes manage to bring their car into a more favorable operating window, perhaps aided by the cool Spring conditions at Suzuka.
The Silver Arrows showed flashes of speed in each of the opening three races before falling away when it mattered most, leaving Saturday’s qualifying as the crucial test of whether real progress has been made.
Sky Sports F1 Japanese GP live
Look back at some of the most exciting titles that took part in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Sunday, April 7
5am: Grand Prix Sunday Japanese GP preparation*
6am: JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Checkered flag: Japan GP reaction*
9am: Ted’s Notebook*
9.30am: Japanese Grand Prix highlights*
10.30: Japanese Grand Prix replay
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s longest season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event from lights out at 6am. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription – No contract, cancel anytime
Advertising Content | Stream Sky Sports NOW
Stream Sky Sports live without a contract for a monthly or daily subscription to NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket, Tennis and more.