2026 F1 Japanese GP | FP2 results

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McLaren’s Oscar Piastri led the way during FP2 at the 2026 F1 Japanese GP, capping off a productive day for the team, view the results here.

As the 2026 F1 Japanese GP got underway, both Mercedes drivers continued their dominant form, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finishing 1st and 2nd ahead of the McLarens in FP1. After their setbacks in Shanghai, this marked a promising start to the weekend for the reigning Constructors’ Champions.

The field went out on track divided over tyre choice for the start of the session, with most drivers and teams opting for the mediums. After dominating the race weekends so far, the Silver arrows continued to look strong. An early hiccup for Racing Bull’s Arvid Lindblad as the rookie reported downshift issues over the radio. The 18 year-old was soon seen hopping out of his car as his session ended prematurely once again.

After McLaren worked busily to fix his car, Lando Norris finally headed out on track, having missed the first 20 minutes of the session. And as the session entered its closing stages, drivers opted for soft tyres to complete qualifying simulations. The reigning World Champion’s first effort was enough to slot himself into 4th. Having missed most of practice while Audi worked on a power-unit issue, Gabriel Bortoleto managed to get out on track for the final minutes of FP2.

With three minutes remaining, Piastri, Antonelli and Russell completed the top three. Max Verstappen’s day continued to go downhill as the four-time World Champion struggled to get grips with his car. However, as Friday drew to a close at Suzuka, Piastri led the way at the top of the timings, with Antonelli and Russell rounding up the top three