F1 Japanese Grand Prix practice underway as Mercedes aims to extend dominance

The final Formula 1 race before the sport's five-week summer break gets underway with practice at the Suzuka Circuit, where Mercedes aims to solidify its early-season dominance. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has already conceded his team appears off the pace compared to the Brackley outfit, setting the stage for a potential intra-team battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for momentum heading into the hiatus.

Why it matters:

This race represents the last competitive data point and momentum swing before a lengthy mid-season break, making performance here psychologically critical for the entire grid. For Mercedes, extending their perfect start against a seemingly trailing Ferrari would cement their status as clear favorites. For struggling giants like McLaren and Red Bull, a clean, trouble-free weekend with signs of progress is essential to reset before the European leg resumes.

The details:

• Mercedes' Strong Position: The Silver Arrows arrive as clear favorites, having won the opening two races of 2026 with George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli taking a victory each. The focus now shifts to which driver can gain an upper hand before the break.
• Ferrari's Pace Deficit: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both publicly acknowledged that Ferrari currently lacks the pace to challenge Mercedes, a significant admission that puts pressure on the Scuderia to find solutions.
• McLaren & Red Bull's Recovery Mission: Both teams are in need of a turnaround after challenging starts to the season.
  • McLaren's Goal: The team is focused on simply reaching the grid without issues and running competitively, which would mark a positive step.
  • Red Bull's Focus: Ensuring both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar are comfortable with the car's setup is the priority for the reigning constructors' champions.
• Weekend Schedule (CET): European fans face another series of early mornings.
  • Friday: FP1 (03:30-04:30), FP2 (07:00-08:00)
  • Saturday: FP3 (03:30-04:30), Qualifying (07:00-08:00)
  • Sunday: Race (07:00)

The extended summer break was triggered by the earlier cancellation of races in Bahrain and Jeddah due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the timesheets throughout practice to see if any team can disrupt Mercedes' rhythm. The qualifying battle, especially between the two Mercedes drivers, will set the narrative for Sunday's grand prix. A strong result for Russell or Antonelli could provide crucial momentum, while progress for McLaren or Red Bull would offer a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the long pause in the calendar.