F1 Japanese GP live commentary and updates – Qualifying

We have had two more red flags in FP3 for grass fires, adding to the two stoppages they caused in FP2. The FIA said: “Ahead of qualifying, all available time and resources will be focused on further dampening the grass before the session.” 

Here’s hoping we can enjoy a fair fight with no ill-timed blazes.

What can Ferrari and Red Bull do? Ferrari has looked quick at times but Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have not always able to extract that pace from the SF-25.

Max Verstappen has not been happy with the handling of his Red Bull again, and it’s a real baptism of fire for Yuki Tsunoda who replaces Liam Lawson after just two races, in front of his home fans too. So far Tsunoda has looked pretty good, but practice counts for nothing.

Off the back of wins in Australia and China McLaren headed to Suzuka as the pre-race favourite and practice has done little to dampen expectations at the papaya squad. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have led every session, with Mercedes man George Russell the closest chaser in this morning’s FP3 session.

Welcome

Well hello! One of the year’s most exciting Formula 1 sessions is coming up. Qualifying at Japan’s mighty Suzuka circuit. Few race tracks are as revered as this one, and for good reason. The Esses, Degner, Spoon, 130R; a real rollercoster ride for F1 cars on the limit.