05 April 2025 7:12am
7:12AM He sets a 1:27.845 to go top of the timesheets and in behind him Leclerc goes second, just under a tenth behind. The likes of Piastri, Russell, Verstappen and Tsunoda are all still in the pits.
7:11AM The seven-time world champion did his first run on the mediums but has had to go out on a set of softs. The times are really starting to ramp up…
- 7:09AM Piastri 1:28.143
- Russell +0.058
- Norris +0.090
- Verstappen +0.217
- Leclerc +0.428
7:08AM Verstappen tucks in behind Norris to go into second place but about 30 seconds later Piastri goes fastest, just under a tenth of a second faster than Norris. Russell then comes across the line and splits the two McLarens.
Verstappen has just come onto the team radio and complained about the front tyres not gripping.
7:05AM The two Ferraris go one and two temporarily until Norris goes fastest by more than three tenths of a second. Hamilton did his time on a medium when everyone else is on softs but will that be enough as the times will ramp up?
7:04AM The Australian had a huge crash at 185MPH in second practice yesterday but has been passed fit to take part today. He will be under pressure though and looks a likely candidate to be knocked out in Q1.
7:02AM It will be fascinating to see how the teams approach this. The marshals have been hard at work dampening some of the grass by the track but is there still a danger of grass fires so will the teams want to get their drives out early to bank an early lap in case there is a red flag?
There are huge cheers as Tsunoda makes his way out of the garage and onto the track in his Red Bull.
7:00AM Qualifying in Suzuka is under way! This is always one of the best qualifying sessions of the season with this being one of the drivers’ favourite tracks. From last season to this one they have resurfaced the first sector so they will be rapid through the iconic first sequence of S’s.
6:57AM “It was very clear Liam [Lawson] was struggling badly so we took the decision we needed some experience in the car and for Liam to continue his development with Racing Bulls.
“We were asking too much, too soon of Liam. We still believe he is a driver of real talent but the car is not where we want it to be and he was really struggling with that.
“We took control of the situation and Yuki [Tsunoda] has been mature in the sessions so far, giving good feedback. He has done what we asking for.”
6:56AM Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix is just five minutes away!
