Verstappen in front with Red Bull teammate in second after Sargeant’s accident.

Max Verstappen, Dutch driver from Red Bull Racing, led the free practice session for the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix. The event, which usually takes place in the autumn, was moved to spring this year. The weather in Suzuka was cold and cloudy during the session. Verstappen finished with a time of 1:30.056s, ahead of his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz, from Ferrari, was the closest non-Red Bull driver, in third place. Williams driver, Logan Sargeant, had an accident during the session, causing damage to his car. Fernando Alonso, from Aston Martin, and Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, from McLaren, also had great performances. Ayumu Iwasa, a Honda protege, made his debut in free practice for Red Bull, finishing in 16th place.