Pit Debrief

Mercedes show promise at the 2026 Japanese GP as Russell and Antonelli note progress, with balance and energy issues still to resolve

Progress and problems define Mercedes’ Friday at the 2026 F1 Japanese GP

Chiara Schulte genannt Hobein1 week ago1 week ago07 mins

Mercedes showed steady promise across Friday’s running at the 2026 F1 Japanese GP, with George Russell leading the team’s charge and Kimi Antonelli continuing his upward trajectory. Russell ran with confidence from the outset, delivering consistent pace and positioning himself among the front-runners in both sessions. Antonelli built into the day, steadily improving his lap…

FP1 at the 2026 F1 Japanese GP has been completed, view the full report here as the action got underway at Suzuka.

F1 | 2026 Japanese GP | FP1 | Russell leads Antonelli and the McLarens

James O'Connor1 week ago1 week ago03 mins

FP1 at the 2026 F1 Japanese GP has been completed, view the full report here. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton kicked off the session with a 1:37.256, although he was beaten almost instantly by 0.010s as teammate Charles Leclerc pipped him. After Oscar Piastri smashed in a 1:34.053, championship leader George Russell went 0.741s clear…

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli became the 116th driver to win a F1 race last time out in China, and the 19-year-old is hoping to carry that momentum into the 2026 Japanese GP.

Antonelli vows no change in approach for 2026 F1 Japanese GP

James O'Connor1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli became the 116th driver to win a F1 race last time out in China, and the 19-year-old is hoping to carry that momentum into the 2026 Japanese GP. Enjoying the glory Speaking in a print media session at Suzuka on Thursday afternoon, the Mercedes driver discussed how he celebrated victory with…

Franco Colapinto, Alpine, ahead of F1 2026 Japanese GP

Colapinto reflects on Alpine’s improvement ahead of 2026 F1 Japanese GP

Chiara Perin1 week ago5 days ago04 mins

Franco Colapinto feels proud of Alpine’s performance so far in 2026, but he is still wary of how the car will adapt to new tracks as they arrive at the F1 Japanese GP. A few weeks ago, Colapinto scored his first points for Alpine during the F1 2026 Chinese GP. The Argentine driver and his…

Williams F1 reserve driver Luke Browning has walked away from a huge crash in Super Formula testing at the Suzuka circuit in Japan.

Browning unharmed after big Super Formula crash at Suzuka

James O'Connor1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Williams F1 reserve driver Luke Browning has walked away from a huge crash in Super Formula testing at the Suzuka circuit in Japan. On a very wet day at the legendary Japanese track, the British driver aquaplaned and lost the car at 130R. His car flipped and eventually landed between the barrier and some fencing….

After a strong result in Shanghai two weeks ago, Haas driver Esteban Ocon had a sluggish F1 Japanese GP weekend

Ocon says he was down four to five tenths on teammate Bearman in F1 Japanese GP

Lenny Sundahl12 months ago12 months ago02 mins

After a strong result in Shanghai two weeks ago, Haas driver Esteban Ocon had a sluggish F1 Japanese GP weekend. Despite a floor upgrade, the Frenchman was stuck in Q1, starting in 18th, and made up no ground by the end of the race to finish in 18th as well. Ocon starting on hard tyres…

Andrea Stella at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

Can Verstappen carry Red Bull to glory? Stella and Alonso reflect on his stunning F1 Japanese GP win

Ella Cleary12 months ago12 months ago04 mins

After a compelling weekend at the F1 Japanese GP, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella offered a measured take on the state of the 2025 Formula 1 season – particularly on the performance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. While Verstappen once again showed why he’s one of the sport’s most complete drivers in its…

Kimi Antonelli driving Mercedes W16 Formula 1 car at the Japanese GP

Bradley Lord describes Mercedes positive improvements but still no match for McLaren F1

Jenny Garnett12 months ago12 months ago05 mins

Mercedes have had a strong start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, scoring two podiums in the opening three races. Team Principal Toto Wolff was absent at the Japanese Grand Prix. Team Representative Bradley Lord spoke with the media in his place after the race. Lord reviewed Mercedes’ performance in relation to recent years and…

Ferrari's Fred Vasseur in the pit lane on Sunday at the 2025 Japanese GP

Vasseur: Qualifying championship in progress after F1 Japanese GP

Louise du Manoir12 months ago12 months ago03 mins

The Scuderia Ferrari Team led by Fred Vasseur improved their initially underwhelming performance at the F1 Japanese GP. Following a far from ideal start to the season with China’s double disqualification and Australia’s average results, the team scored 18 points on Sunday. Despite improvements, the SF-25’s pace was still lacking Frustrated with the lack of…

Haas’ Bearman optimistically looks towards remainder of triple header after P10 in F1 Japanese GP

Louise du Manoir12 months ago12 months ago03 mins

The F1 Japanese GP extended a positive streak for Ollie Bearman after Haas unlocked surprising pace at the Shanghai International Circuit two weeks ago. The British driver earned back-to-back point finishes with Sunday’s 10th position following his 8th place finish in China. Ranking 12th in the Drivers’ Championship standings, the British driver feels optimistic about…