Suzuka, Japan – The roar of Formula 1 returned to the iconic Suzuka International Racing course as the Friday practice session for the Formula 1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix 2025 kicked off. All eyes were glued to local favorite Yuki Tsunoda, making his debut as a newly-promoted Red Bull driver, and he didn’t disappoint his home fans.

Tsunoda, showcasing impressive adaptability, clocked in just 0.107 seconds behind his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen. This performance placed the Red Bulls in a solid fifth and sixth position respectively. The session provided a glimpse into the potential synergy between Tsunoda and the Red Bull machine, hinting at exciting prospects for the remainder of the race weekend.

Contrastingly, Liam Lawson, who moved from Red Bull to Racing Bulls, finished the session in 13th place, a stark 0.3 seconds behind his teammate, Isack Hadjar, who secured 8th. This outcome underlines the adjustments Lawson is undertaking in his new surroundings and the developmental path ahead.

however,the fastest lap of the session belonged to McLaren’s Lando Norris,setting a blistering pace that underscored McLaren’s competitive edge early in the weekend.

Practice Session Standings

here’s a swift look at the top three drivers from the practice session:

tsunoda’s Promising Start: A Deep Dive

Tsunoda’s initial outing with Red Bull was more than just a run; it was a statement. He showcased a measured approach,gradually increasing his aggression throughout the session. Initially, he focused on mastering the slower corners, managing wheelspin effectively. As his confidence grew, he began pushing harder through the faster sections of the track.

His ability to communicate effectively with the team was also a highlight. Clear and concise feedback allowed engineers to fine-tune differential and brake-balance settings, optimizing the car’s performance to suit his driving style.

Like Verstappen, tsunoda utilized two sets of soft tires, adhering to a largely similar run plan, albeit with Verstappen splitting his initial run. This strategy included a mini long-run at the end, where tsunoda faced challenges with rear grip, leading to a greater deficit compared to Verstappen. Despite this, his performance signaled a promising start.

Reflecting on his experience, Tsunoda stated, “I found the car quite engaging on the track.” This sentiment encapsulates his positive initial impression and eagerness to further explore the car’s capabilities.

Beyond the Top Times: Other Notable Moments

While norris topped the charts, the session wasn’t without its share of drama. Despite a minor excursion into the gravel at the chicane and voicing concerns over front tire graining, which the team initially couldn’t corroborate, Norris maintained his composure.

George Russell’s Mercedes trailed Norris by a mere 0.163 seconds, while the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured the next two positions, closely followed by the Red Bulls. Oscar Piastri, the Chinese GP winner driving the second McLaren, finished further down the order in 15th place, a testament to the tight competition and varying setups teams were experimenting with.

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Williams’ Alex Albon both tested the limits, venturing onto the grass and gravel at the hairpin. Carlos Sainz, Albon’s teammate, provided a moment of levity when he mistakenly drove past the Williams pit box, offering an apology over the team radio.

Alpine’s decision to place reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa in Jack Doohan’s car yielded impressive results. Hirakawa, a Toyota World Endurance Championship racer, finished a commendable 12th, outpacing regular Alpine driver Pierre Gasly by two positions, reinforcing the depth of talent within the sport.

The American perspective: Implications for F1’s Growing U.S. Fanbase

The Japanese Grand Prix, with its rich history and challenging circuit, holds significant appeal for American racing enthusiasts. The performance of drivers like Tsunoda,coupled with the competitive battles throughout the field,contributes to the growing excitement surrounding Formula 1 in the United States.

The sport’s increased visibility through platforms like ESPN and Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” has cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the U.S., eager to witness thrilling races and follow the narratives of their favorite drivers and teams. The Japanese Grand Prix serves as another chapter in the ongoing story of Formula 1’s resurgence in America.

Full Practice Session Results