F1® News Update: Suzuka Practice, Crashes, and Predictions

 

F1® News Update: Suzuka Practice, Crashes, and Predictions

Today is a big report day, especially for a practice session, and as we throw the spotlight on the standout drivers, the F1® paddock buzzes with headlines. While most of the chatter is still centred on Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, let’s dive into some other key stories unfolding up and down the grid this weekend.

Jack Doohan Brings Out Red Flags in Japan

Today's big news is Alpine driver Jack Doohan's red flags after a heavy crash in FP2 at the Japanese Grand Prix. Taking part in his first weekend session, Doohan lost control at Turn 1, slamming into the barriers and destroying the car.

Early analysis suggests the DRS may have remained open on corner entry — a situation that can create severe instability. It’s unclear whether it was driver error or a technical fault, but what’s certain is that it caused a lengthy 30-minute red flag session as marshals cleared debris.

Doohan appeared shaken but thankfully okay. We’ll keep an eye out for any further medical reports or team updates.

Lando Norris Tops the Sheets (and the Gravel)

Despite an unplanned off-track excursion into the gravel and a couple of lock-ups, Lando Norris ended practice on top. McLaren ran a car covered in flow-vis paint, clearly testing aero balance as they continue their push for perfection.

You get the feeling Norris is on the edge of something big. For a young driver in a historic team like McLaren, with its legacy, prestige, and global following, every day must feel like the best day at work. And if he can keep this form up, a World Drivers’ Championship may not be out of reach.

Yuki Tsunoda Gets His Shot in the Red Bull

Hometown hero Yuki Tsunoda stepped into the Red Bull Racing car during practice, and initial data looks promising. Brake patterns, consistency, and pace all returned positive feedback.

Having grown up around the Suzuka Circuit, Tsunoda knows this track inside out. And while whispers suggest he may have been running in a high engine mode, the fact that he lapped within a tenth of Max Verstappen can’t be ignored.

Max Verstappen – Still the Benchmark

Despite a few issues with the car and finishing P5 in FP1, Max Verstappen continues to show why he's a four-time World Champion. Lock-ups and all, he was pushing the car to its absolute limits.

Even with questions around qualifying pace, his race-day performance continues to look formidable. Expect Max to be in the hunt — podiums, points, or even the win. Suzuka suits his style, and that makes him dangerous.

Ferrari & Hamilton Eye Redemption

Lewis Hamilton, a multi-time winner at Suzuka, is chasing redemption after his disqualification in China. And he’s not alone — Charles Leclerc is also on the bounce-back, and both Ferrari drivers are hungry for points.

Reports suggest Ferrari flew drivers back in the break to spend considerable time in the simulator fine-tuning their Suzuka setup. If strategy and tyre management align, we could see both drivers fighting for the podium this weekend.

George Russell – Quietly Climbing

Here at Senate Grand Prix, we’ve nicknamed George Russell the "Sleeping Giant". Currently sitting third in the Driver Standings and second in FP2, Russell is becoming a consistent threat.

Podiums in Australia and China, rock-solid practice times — George is creeping into the conversation for race wins this season. While he’s been quiet off the track, his performance is doing all the talking.

Development Race Begins

With Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin all looking sharp, this season is shaping up to be a full-on development race. As we edge closer to the European leg, expect the upgrades to start flying in — new wings, refined floors, and suspension tweaks that could shift the entire pecking order. Especially with that man Adrian Newey, quietly working hard at Aston Martin and being very quiet right now, which may indicate he is onto something.

Right now, McLaren might have the edge — but in Formula 1®, a tenth of a second can disappear overnight.

Senate Grand Prix Prediction for Sunday

If we had to call it now, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are the teams to watch for the top five. These three will likely be hunting podiums and key championship points, and with Suzuka’s legendary curves, anything can happen.