F1 | FP2 | Japanese GP | McLaren 1-2 after red flag-filled session - Motorsport

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Oscar Piastri topped the FP2 session at the F1 Japanese GP, followed by Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar, full FP2 report and results below.

Lando Norris topped FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing ahead of George Russell and Charles Leclerc. He overcame early mistakes at the final turn to secure P1. Max Verstappen led early but lost the top spot as times improved. Russell briefly went fastest before Norris set the quickest lap. Yuki Tsunoda impressed in his Red Bull debut, taking sixth. Liam Lawson, recently dropped by Red Bull, finished 13th. Track conditions improved as more rubber was laid down.

Green light for FP2 at the F1 Japanese GP

FP2 was underway in Suzuka and Alpine driver, Jack Doohan was one of the first drivers out, after sitting out during FP1. Carlos Sainz reported early problems with his Williams machinery, stating it was “bouncing like crazy,” hinting at a possible issue with his suspension. Sainz headed back into the pits.

Just before the drivers could get comfortable, the session was stopped, as Doohan spun into the barriers at Turn 1. Late on the brakes, going flat and with his DRS open, the Australian driver crashed heavily into the barriers, significantly damaging his car.

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Thankfully, Doohan was seen getting out of his car and has received medical care.

A second red flag for Fernando Alonso

While the session resumed, more red flags were suddenly out, this time, for Fernando Alonso.

Alonso dipped a wheel on the grass, which was enough to send his Aston Martin wide into the gravel. Although he tried to get his car back on track, Alonso was deep into the gravel trap.

With 17 minutes left in the session, George Russell was on top, with a benchmark time of 1:29.666s. The Ferrari duo were not far behind, as both drivers were looking for redemption after being disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix.

The drivers were starting to push, with so little time left. Leclerc topped the sheets on the softs. Russell gained back his position, only to be beaten by Hamilton. Rookie Isack Hadjar, was briefly on top, while Liam Lawson, who is back with Racing Bulls, slotted into third.

A third and fourth red flag

Just as Norris set a new fastest time of 1:28.163s, the red flags were out once again, as the cameras pan onto a fiery patch of grass. With Doohan’s crash, Alonso’s beached car and fire on the grass, the drivers were running out of crucial track time.

Five minutes were left in the session and Norris was still leading from Hadjar an Piastri. Pushing hard on softs, Piastri pushes Norris out of the top spot, just 0.049s ahead of his teammate.

Before the rest of the pack could improve, the fourth and final red flag of the day was waived, thanks to another fire near the track, ultimately ending the session. Unfortunately, the drivers were not able to get longer runs in, which makes it difficult to call how the race on Sunday could go.

McLaren could rest easy for now, but Alpine will have to work overnight to rebuild Doohan’s damaged car, in time for FP3 and Qualifying at the F1 Japanese GP.