Norris Fastest, Tsunoda Impresses in Red Bull Debut at Japanese GP Practice
Lando Norris had no intention of slowing down as the Formula 1 championship leader posted the quickest lap in practice one at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix on Friday. But it was local hero Yuki Tsunoda who captured hearts at Suzuka with an impressive performance on his Red Bull debut.
On a sunny and parched Japanese afternoon, Norris recorded a scorching 1:28.549 after pitting to fit soft tyres, after two previous off-course incidents at the challenging final chicane. Despite gravel runs that caused him to discard two on-fire laps, the McLaren driver pitted, re-grouped, and stormed to the top of the timesheet.
Russell Leads Early, Then Settles Behind Norris
Mercedes driver George Russell appeared untouchable for the first portion of the practice, setting repeat laps as the drivers made their way around Suzuka’s twisty and demanding circuit. That changed, however, when Norris settled into rhythm, and Russell was left settling for second.
The Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton trailed closely behind in third and fourth, a continuation of tight competition between the sport’s heavyweight constructors.
Dream Start at Home for Tsunoda
All eyes were on 24-year-old Yuki Tsunoda, who was just promoted to Red Bull a week ago in place of Liam Lawson. With the watchful eyes of Japanese fans and great expectations, Tsunoda performed.
He laid down the sixth-fastest time of the morning and, at one stage, even rose to second on the timing charts. While he was eventually demoted from the top half of the order by teammate Max Verstappen and others, Tsunoda’s outing was perhaps the day’s largest story.
“Tsunoda was only a tenth behind Verstappen’s time—it’s a huge statement,” one F1 commentator said during the session. “He’s sounding like he deserves to be in that Red Bull seat.”
Compared to Lawson’s previous season appearances, Tsunoda’s performance is a definite step up in terms of pace for Red Bull. Lawson could only muster 13th on his return to Racing Bulls—behind teammate Isack Hadjar, who took eighth.
Winners and Strugglers from Practice 1
While Norris and Tsunoda excelled, others struggled. Oscar Piastri, who had just won in China two weeks previously, was only able to turn in the 15th-fastest time in the second McLaren, leaving fans and analysts perplexed.
Among the highlights of the day was a drive by Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes. With a late spin through the gravel, Antonelli crossed the line in ninth place, maintaining his consistency in his first year of competition.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso finished seventh, proving once again that he is a reliable top-10 finisher.
What’s Next at Suzuka
The drama is not yet over. With two further practice sessions and qualifying remaining, the Japanese Grand Prix promises to be a gripping and fiercely competitive race.
Tsunoda will seek to improve on his encouraging debut and perhaps even outqualify Verstappen on home ground—something which would turn Suzuka into a whirlwind. In the meantime, McLaren’s pace has been robust and has the potential to make Norris the one to beat this weekend, extending his lead towards the championship.
With leading teams evenly matched and local heroes providing drama, Suzuka is guaranteeing a fireworks-packed race weekend.
