Japanese GP Results: Max Verstappen Goes Fastest In FP1

The results of the first practice session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen of Netherlands (1)
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen of Netherlands (1) / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Max Verstappen put in the fastest time during the first free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. 

Following the Red Bull driver were his teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who put in the second and third fastest times, respectively. 

Red Bull junior driver Ayumu Iwasa stepped into Daniel Ricciardo’s RB car for FP1, putting in a commendable 16th fastest time.

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands (1)
Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands (1) / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5 minutes: Lance Stroll headed out on track with a large aero rake on the rear of the Aston Martin. However, a few moments later fans could see that the aero rake was loose. The Canadian driver returned to the pits for the rear wing to be removed from the car. 

30 minutes: Logan Sargeant crashed into the barrier after running wide at Turn 7 and losing control of the Williams, putting a red flag on the session. Luckily, Sergeant quickly confirmed he was okay and was able to get out of the car without a problem. 

This comes after Williams’ mishap in Australia when Alex Albon crashed during FP1, damaging the chassis of his FW46. The British team did not have a spare chassis, and still don’t, which meant Sargeant could not take part in the race weekend in Melbourne so Albon could continue in his car. The American driver is using the repaired car in Japan and the team will now be assessing the damage in the hopes they don’t have a repeat situation. 

44 minutes: Nico Hulkenberg was shown the black and white flag after crossing the white line at the pit exit.

2024 Japanese GP FP1 Results

  1. Max Verstappen
  2. Sergio Perez
  3. Carlos Sainz
  4. George Russell
  5. Lewis Hamilton
  6. Charles Leclerc
  7. Fernando Alonso
  8. Oscar Piastri
  9. Yuki Tsunoda
  10. Lando Norris
  11. Esteban Ocon
  12. Alex Albon
  13. Nico Hulkenberg
  14. Valtteri Bottas
  15. Lance Stroll
  16. Ayumu Iwasa
  17. Pierre Gasly
  18. Zhou Guanyu
  19. Kevin Magnussen
  20. Logan Sargeant

Published
Lydia Mee
LYDIA MEE

Lydia is the lead editor of F1 editorial. After following the sport for several years, she was finally able to attend the British Grand Prix in person in 2017. Since then, she's been addicted to not only the racing, but the atmosphere the fans bring to each event. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry.