Piastri and Norris expecting challenge from Mercedes as McLaren end ‘difficult’ first day in Japan on top

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have both singled out Mercedes as one of their most likely challengers for the remainder of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, with the McLaren pair admitting that Friday had been “tricky” despite each leading the way in free practice.

After Norris set the pace during the first hour of running, it was Piastri who just edged out his team mate in Free Practice 2 by 0.049s during what was a disrupted session featuring several red flags.

FP2: Piastri sets the pace as Doohan crashes amid disrupted second practice in Japan

Reflecting on how things had felt out on track after jumping out of the car, Piastri admitted that the frequently windy conditions had not made things easy at the Suzuka Circuit despite his pace-setting time.

“[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.

2025 Japanese GP FP2: Onboard with Oscar Piastri for the fastest lap of Friday practice at Suzuka

“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.

“Obviously FP2 was pretty stop-start, so it was hard to get into a rhythm, but I think by the end of the day I felt reasonably comfortable. Still some fine-tuning to go – I think there’s been some things I’ve been happy with today, but it’s not been the easiest overall.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow the action from second practice for the Japanese GP

McLaren have enjoyed a strong start to the season, having collected back-to-back wins across the opening two rounds in Australia and China. When asked if it was fair to suggest that team have the quickest car – with the question being by how much of a margin – Piastri responded: “It’s really hard to know.

“I think [in] FP1, it was difficult to get pace out of the car – I think [in] FP2 I was much more comfortable. 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.

“I think the pace is there and I’m feeling confident that we’ve got good pace for the rest of the weekend, but it’s still a little bit tricky at this point, so I think we’ve still got to be on our toes.”

SUZUKA, JAPAN - APRIL 04: Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on — Piastri admitted that Friday’s running at Suzuka had been «pretty tricky», despite topping the timesheets in second practice

Norris agreed with his team mate’s sentiments in terms of the impact of the wind during Friday’s running, but still spoke positively about where things currently stand for McLaren.

“I mean, it’s pretty good,” Norris said of his Friday at Suzuka. “I think we’re still in a good position. I think it’s tricky just because of the wind where it makes a big difference, especially on a circuit like this where it’s so quick.

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from Japan as Norris tops FP1 from Russell while Tsunoda impresses

“You’re on such a fine limit for such a long time, like the first sector. The tiniest bit of wind can really upset the car quite a lot. I think to be honest I’m sure everyone’s struggling with a similar thing.

“I still feel good, I still feel like we’re in a reasonable place. We’ve made some steps forward, but still some things to try and improve for tomorrow, so [I’m] happy enough for a Friday.”

Mercedes have also showed promise across the beginning of the 2025 campaign, with George Russell claiming podium finishes at the first two races while rookie Kimi Antonelli has also been solidly scoring points.

SUZUKA, JAPAN - APRIL 04: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on — Norris set the pace during Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix

Pushed on whether McLaren have a good understanding of where they are in comparison to the teams that they expected the toughest fight from, Norris admitted that the Silver Arrows could be a threat during the weekend ahead as he responded: “I still think we’re at the top.

“George was very quick this morning, just as quick as us, so I think Mercedes are 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 teams in order, but I still expect it to be close and a tough battle tomorrow.

“I mean, I hope it’s not – I hope it’s nice and easy for us! But I’m sure Mercedes at least, and definitely George from today’s showings, will be challenging us a bit tomorrow.”