free 1: ok Russell
—
The British George Russell (Mercedes) once again confirmed himself as the fastest in the first free practice session of the Japanese GP, third stage of the Formula 1 World Championship, held on Friday on the Suzuka circuit (5.807 km). With a best time of 1’31″666, Russell preceded by just 26 thousandths his young Italian teammate Kimi Antonelli, who at 19 years of age is fresh from his first career victory, won in China on March 15. The German team thus confirms its absolute dominance in this start to the season, characterized by the regulatory revolution on power units and chassis. In the first two GPs, in Melbourne and Shanghai, the Ferraris of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and the Monegasque Charles Leclerc had followed the Mercedes closely, both in testing and in qualifying and the race. In Suzuka, however, in the first session held in sunny, cool and dry conditions, the McLarens of world champion Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri came in behind them, respectively at 132 and 199 thousandths. Norris and Piastri had not even started in Shanghai due to mechanical and electrical problems sixth, 289 and 374 thousandths behind the leader. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, at the wheel of Red Bull who continues to be criticized for the management of the hybrid power unit, is seventh (+791 thousandths). His young teammate Isack Hadjar struggled, finishing 13th at 1″137. The French Esteban Ocon (Haas) and Pierre Gasly are 9th and 15th respectively (+0″935 and +1″312).
