2026 Japanese GP: Russell picks up where he left off

It was dry and sunny but windy at the Suzuka Circuit in the morning. Drivers headed out on track from the very first minutes. Teams brought a large number of upgrades, with many cars running aerodynamic sensors and flow-vis paint.

At the Aston Martin F1 Team, young Jack Crawford took over driving duties in place of Fernando Alonso, who had missed media day due to the birth of his first child. Alonso arrived at Suzuka in the morning and followed the session from the garage.

Lando Norris returned his car to the mechanics early in the session without setting a time. He later went back out but was lost for around the first 20 minutes.

George Russell, Arvid Lindblad, Liam Lawson, Norris and Charles Leclerc all ran off track at various points but without damage. Alexander Albon went into the gravel at the exit of Turn 9 and narrowly avoided a crash, brushing the barrier with his left-rear wheel.

Lawson and Carlos Sainz Jr. had a moment at Turn 11, failing to share the track cleanly. Liam first overtook him, then showed frustration at Carlos slowing ahead.

Sergio Pérez and Albon collided while battling for position in the chicane — carbon debris was scattered, and both drivers returned to the pits. The stewards will investigate the incident after the session.

Russell topped the session with a time of 1:31.666. The entire top ten were covered in less than a second.