Despite topping the timesheets for both free practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren admitted it was not all smooth sailing for the team.
Coming off a 1-2 in Shanghai, the highs keep coming in 2025 for McLaren, and the team started the Japanese Grand Prix weekend strong, with Lando Norris leading the first session and Oscar Piastri topping the second.
However, despite Piastri’s impressive display in FP2, he admitted that the weekend wasn’t as smooth as it seemed from the outside.
“[It was] difficult,” the Australian explained. “I think with the part of the track being resurfaced and very gusty winds, it’s been a challenge.
“Around here, it’s somewhere where the wind really changes the balance a lot, and when it’s gusty like this. I don’t think you have the same car two laps in a row, so it’s been a pretty tricky day.
Free practice two was disrupted by grass fires, crashes and more grass fires. It meant that many drivers faced disrupted runs not showing the full potential of the cars.
McLaren’s biggest challenge
When Piastri was asked about the healthy margin that McLaren has been enjoying in the early rounds of the 2025 season, he admitted that the gap isn’t as big as it seems.
The Australian cited Mercedes as the biggest challenge to McLaren, “But I think Mercedes have looked very quick as well. Just didn’t find much on the softs which I think.
“With this kind of session, it’s always a bit tricky to get a proper read.”
Lando Norris echoed his teammate’s feelings but took a slightly more positive outlook on the weekend ahead.
He said, “I mean, it’s pretty good.
“I think we’re still in a good position. I think it’s tricky just because of the wind, which it makes a big difference, especially on a circuit like this where it’s so quick.”
The silver arrows have equally had a strong start to the 2025 season. With George Russell managing to find his way onto the podium for the first two rounds.
Kimi Antonelli has also impressed throughout the first round’s scoring point.
Norris spoke on the threat, but seemed more subdued about it than his teammate. “George was very quick this morning, just as quick as us, so I think Mercedes is in a good place.
“Maybe Red Bull looked a little bit further off. But they have looked further off until Qualifying and then they get a bit closer again.
“To be honest, I think [it was] normal. But just a messy session, so I don’t think this session was probably the best example of where everyone was. I think maybe FP1 was a better example. You kind of saw the teams in order, but I still expect it to be close and a tough battle tomorrow.
But he reiterated, “I still think we’re at the top.”
With so little running in FP2, FP3 and qualifying will be the test of how impressive McLaren’s advantage is. No doubt they’ll be hoping for another 1-2.
