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Oscar Piastri dominates Japanese GP practice as McLaren outshines Mercedes and troubles loom for Ferrari

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
March 27, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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McLaren's Oscar Piastri Shocks the World: Triumph Over Mercedes in Japanese GP Practice!

In an electrifying twist at the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren has sent shockwaves through the racing community by outpacing early 2026 championship frontrunners Mercedes, with rookie sensation Oscar Piastri claiming the top spot in Practice Two. This remarkable performance marks a significant turnaround for McLaren, who struggled in the first two races of the new F1 era and faced a dismal outing in China, where neither car managed to start the race.

As the sun set over the legendary Suzuka Circuit, it was clear that McLaren had shifted gears. After closely trailing Mercedes in the opening practice session, the reigning two-time constructors' champions surged ahead in the latter part of the day. Piastri clocked an impressive 1:30.133, finishing a mere 0.092 seconds ahead of rising star Kimi Antonelli and outpacing George Russell, the current championship leader, by 0.205 seconds.

“McLaren have made a significant step forward,” remarked Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins. “They look much closer to Mercedes than they have in recent weeks.” This statement underscores the palpable momentum building within the McLaren camp as they prepare for a fierce battle on race day.

Meanwhile, Lando Norris, who faced challenges of his own, managed to secure fourth place despite missing a substantial portion of the session due to a hydraulic leak on his car. Norris, who noted two off-track excursions at Spoon and the chicane, still managed to finish ahead of both Ferrari drivers, a feat that highlights McLaren's resurgence as they seek to reclaim their status in Formula 1.

In stark contrast, Ferrari's performance left much to be desired. The iconic Scuderia, once a dominant force, saw Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finish the day over 0.7 seconds off the pace, with Leclerc in fifth and Hamilton struggling in sixth. Hamilton, who expressed his frustrations over team radio, lamented, “I am very slow because I have no confidence in the car,” revealing a troubling lack of confidence that could spell disaster for the team as the season progresses.

Adding to the drama, Red Bull Racing, the powerhouse that has clinched victory at the last four Japanese Grands Prix with Max Verstappen, faced dire challenges. After finishing 0.7 seconds behind in the first session, their deficit ballooned to a staggering 1.4 seconds in the second practice. Verstappen could only muster a 10th place finish, while teammate Isack Hadjar languished in 15th. Despite upgrades to the RB22, both drivers struggled for grip on the demanding Suzuka layout, leaving Red Bull ensnared in the clutches of the midfield.

In a surprising turn of events, Audi's Nico Hulkenberg leapt to seventh, with Williams' Alex Albon and Haas' Oliver Bearman rounding out the top ten, showcasing the fierce competition that has emerged this season.

As the teams prepare for the next thrilling chapter in Suzuka, fans are left wondering: Can McLaren maintain their momentum? Will Ferrari find their footing, and how will Red Bull respond to this unexpected challenge? With the race weekend heating up, all eyes will be on the track as the Japanese GP unfolds in spectacular fashion.

Stay tuned for more updates as this gripping saga continues to develop!

Tags: formula-1-enjapanese-grand-prixLewis Hamiltonmax-verstappen-enMcLarenMercedesOscar PiastriRed Bull Racing
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