Formula 1
Piastri tops FP2 as McLaren challenges Mercedes at Japanese GP
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Oscar Piastri set the fastest time of 1:30.133 in second practice for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, beating Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli by 0.092 seconds on soft tires. George Russell was third for the constructors' leaders, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris fourth.
The Cadillac Formula 1 team introduced upgrades at the Japanese Grand Prix, showing signs of improvement during Friday's practice sessions at Suzuka. Valtteri Bottas finished 20th in FP1 and 18th in FP2, praising a trouble-free day and reduced gaps to rivals. Teammate Sergio Perez faced issues after colliding with Alex Albon.
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Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, but Mercedes showed superior long-run pace. The session highlighted how new 2026 hybrid regulations are transforming driving through the track's Esses section. Teams like McLaren acknowledged they remain behind the frontrunners.
Mario Andretti has expressed tremendous respect for Colton Herta's decision to leave a successful IndyCar career in pursuit of a Formula 1 seat. The 1978 F1 champion highlighted Herta's passion and willingness to sacrifice. Herta currently serves as test driver for the Cadillac F1 team while competing in Formula 2.
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The FIA has reduced the maximum energy recharge from 9.0 MJ to 8.0 MJ per lap for qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, aiming to curb super clipping and restore driver challenges. The change, agreed with unanimous support from power unit manufacturers, follows feedback from teams and drivers after recent races. Drivers welcomed the tweak but noted Suzuka remains a thrilling track despite 2026 regulations.
The FIA has launched an investigation into Mercedes' movable front wing on its 2026 W17 car following a rival team's request for clarification after the Chinese Grand Prix. The wing allegedly closes in two phases, with the second exceeding the 400-millisecond regulatory limit. Officials aim to resolve the issue before the upcoming Suzuka Grand Prix.
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Argentine driver Franco Colapinto arrived in Japan to contest the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka for the first time, the third race on the calendar. He expressed his excitement saying: “I've always dreamed of it”. Reserve driver Paul Aron toured the circuit from a simulator and highlighted key points to consider.
Aston Martin says Jonathan Wheatley not joining for the time being
March 27, 2026 13:17McLaren confident China battery issues fixed for Japanese GP
March 27, 2026 11:55Ferrari struggles for pace in Japanese GP practice
March 27, 2026 07:57Red Bull struggles with car balance in Japanese GP practice
March 27, 2026 03:34George Russell tops Japanese GP FP1 ahead of Kimi Antonelli
March 26, 2026 12:06McLaren uncovers two Mercedes battery issues from China GP failures
March 26, 2026 08:36Max Verstappen bars British journalist from Japanese GP press conference
March 26, 2026 04:39Franco Colapinto completes first free practices at Japanese GP
March 26, 2026 03:13Audi F1 drivers react to Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden team principal exit
March 26, 2026 03:03Haas boss praises Ocon for owning up to Colapinto clash