Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are impressed with George Russell's pace in practice for Formula 1's Japanese Grand Prix.

Or can Max Verstappen sign off Red Bull's power unit partnership, which ends at the end of 2025, with Japanese manufacturers Honda with a fourth successive win in their special livery. Friday looks set to be mild and sunny with highs of 15°C,

After taking the weekend off, F1 returns with its third race of the 2025 season, the Japanese Grand Prix, this Sunday. McLaren's Oscar Piastri took home first place at the Chinese Grand Prix, but his teamate Lando Norris continues to lead in the world championship — yes,

Formula One championship leader Lando Norris believes McLaren's strong start to the season is the result not only of having the best car but also the best combination of drivers on the grid.

For the first time in over a decade, McLaren were heavy favourites heading into this season. They certainly met expectations in the opening rounds, with Norris and Piastri enjoying a comfortable advantage on race day – both in Australia and China.

Championship leader Lando Norris topped the times for McLaren in first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday as Yuki Tsunoda impressed on his Red Bull debut with the sixth fastest lap at the Suzuka circuit.

Yuki Tsunoda finally has his promotion at Red Bull. He was elevated last week and Liam Lawson was demoted to Red Bull’s second team — Racing Bulls — after failing to score points in the season’s first two races.

McLaren’s Lando Norris topped the Japanese Grand Prix’s FP1 timesheets, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who rounded off the top three. All eyes were on Yuki Tsunoda as he exited the pitlane for the first time as a Red Bull Racing driver at his home Grand Prix,