Explore the latest developments concerning Russell heads Mercedes.
Russell heads Mercedes 1-2 in FP1 for Japanese GP
Fan Forum: Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine, Red Bull, Haas, & Aston Martin on the fan stage in Japan.
George Russell was the driver to beat in the first practice session at the Suzuka Circuit.
George Russell set the pace in the first practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix as he narrowly beat his Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli, with reigning World Champion Lando Norris settling for third.
Following back-to-back races in Australia and China, the grid’s 22 drivers reconvened on Friday morning at the picturesque yet technically demanding Suzuka Circuit, eager to continue learning more about the new generation of cars.
Piastri in late drama as Aussie fights back in statement; veteran fumes in crash chaos — F1 Wrap
George Russell went fastest ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli in an eventful first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday as Mercedes continued their dominant start to the Formula One season.
Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Mercedes have claimed one-two finishes at both grands prix so far and they were again out in front in dry, sunny conditionsat Suzuka.
Early championship leader Russell clocked a fastest lap of 1min 31.666sec to pip 19-year-old Antonelli, who won the firstgrand prix of his career in China two weeks ago, by 0.026sec.
MIYOO Mini Plus Portable Retro Handheld Game Console V2 Mini+ IPS Screen Classic Video Game Console Linux System Children's Gift
Japanese Grand Prix: George Russell pips Kimi Antonelli to finish fastest in first practice
You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version.
Mercedes' domination of the early running of the 2026 Formula 1 season continued, as George Russell pipped Kimi Antonelli to top the charts in first practice ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
In the first session of the race weekend in Suzuka, Russell and Antonelli were separated by just 0.026 seconds, in a session where a number of team sported aero rakes and flow-vis paint, as they attempt to gather more data about their cars, with Formula 1 heading into a month's break after this weekend, following the cancellation of the two grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia that were scheduled for April.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Russell heads Mercedes.
