SUZUKA, Japan — Rain plagued the second Formula 1 practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix Friday at Suzuka Circuitland.
George Russell led a Mercedes one-two in the damp conditions, running a 1 minute and 41.935 second lap to outpace teammate Lewis Hamilton, who paced the opening practice session.
“It is always nice to end the day top of the time sheets, and it was a decent improvement from FP1 when we were pretty much at the bottom,” Ruessell said. “The wet conditions today were probably not that representative for the rest of the weekend, but it was a good learning opportunity for the future; it’s important to understand things like the tire crossover from wet to intermediate, and even if that doesn’t pay dividends this weekend, it will in the future.”
Russell praised the race track.
“It’s amazing to be back here in Suzuka – the circuit is so iconic, one of the best in the world, and the first sector is just a joy to drive because it is so fast and flowing,” he said. “I’ve no idea what to expect tomorrow in the dry – we will be battling for the top six positions, and hopefully we have a shot at something better than that. Let’s wait and see.”
With Hamilton second, world champion Max Verstappen came home third for Red Bull, with his teammate Sergio Perez fourth.
Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen rounded out the top five.