The Formula 1 fans of Japan encapsulate everything best about the sport’s fandom perhaps better than any other nation.
From their deep appreciation and knowledge of the history of the sport to their incredible creativity on display in the grandstands and in how they show respect and admiration for all drivers throughout the field, it’s no wonder the Japanese Grand Prix is an event loved by drivers and teams alike.
Which is why it is such an injustice that circumstances conspired against the thousands who attended Friday’s practice day at the circuit, left watching on as just five of the 20 drivers completed any kind of timed lap. A combination of restricted wet weather tyres and a track which was neither wet enough for intermediates, nor sufficiently dry enough for drivers to risk running meant that only the earlier opening practice session was of any significance.
Although it may have been a hard deal for the fans who arrived at Suzuka to watching the fastest cars in the world in action, Friday’s virtual washout could actually make qualifying day – and the grand prix itself – more exciting as a result. Teams will head into Saturday with just an hour of meaningful practice under their belts and far less data to use than they would have otherwise expected.
Despite the disruption, Max Verstappenand Red Bull still set the pace in the early session – a 1’30.056 on the soft compound. That was almost two tenths of a second faster than team mate Sergio Perez and just over two tenths quicker than Australian Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz Jnr in the fastest Ferrari. Verstappen described it as a “good start” to his weekend, but was conscious of the relatively small gap to the Ferraris and Mercedes behind.
“In general, it looks like everyone is a bit closer compared to last year and I don’t expect the same kind of gaps here at this track,” he said.
Sainz was also surprised by how relatively close he was to the world champion in the only worthwhile session of the day.
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“Honestly [we’re] a bit closer to the Red Bulls than I anticipated or expected,” said the Ferrari driver. “So it’s positive signs in terms of progress made from five months ago to now.
“Still, it’s obviously FP1 – you don’t know what fuel loads and engine modes they are running. Obviously last year we…
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