Oscar Piastri tops chaotic Japanese FP2, marked by four red flags, a major crash for Doohan, and two unexpected fires.
Under clear skies at Suzuka, Formula 1’s second free practice session (FP2) for the Japanese Grand Prix delivered drama, speed, and surprises—culminating in four red flags and a serious crash for Jack Doohan.
After a solid start to the season for Lando Norris and McLaren, all eyes were on Suzuka again—especially with talks heating up behind the scenes. The FIA, F1, and engine manufacturers are reportedly exploring a return to V10 engines in the future, possibly after the new V6 era kicks off in 2026. A full switch could be on the table by 2031, or even earlier.
The FIA also announced a new safety measure: teams and drivers are now given a “circuit map” showing designated areas to safely stop their cars in case of mechanical issues. The goal? Fewer safety car interruptions.
Chaos from the Start
Carlos Sainz returned to the pits after his opening lap, reporting serious bouncing at Spoon and into 130R: “Something’s wrong with the car, it’s bouncing badly in Turn 13. Check the rear.”
Lewis Hamilton was the early pace-setter with a 1:29.950 lap, but George Russell soon topped him with a 1:29.666—just before disaster struck. Jack Doohan, subbing in for Ryo Hirakawa after missing FP1, suffered a massive crash. His Alpine A525’s DRS appeared stuck open into Turn 1, sending him off the track at high speed. Thankfully, he emerged unscathed and was picked up by the medical car.
Alpine later confirmed Doohan likely didn’t close his DRS in time—an error that might’ve been avoided with clearer instructions after missing the first session.
Red Flags and Fire Drama
Once the wrecked car and barrier repairs were cleared, 32 minutes remained, and the track got busy fast. But just minutes in, Fernando Alonso spun into the gravel at Degner, triggering another red flag. His Aston Martin appeared mostly undamaged, apart from some floor damage.
After a short delay, the session resumed with just under 19 minutes to go, and soft tyres came out as teams scrambled to gather qualifying and race data. Charles Leclerc briefly went fastest with a 1:28.617 before Russell, then Hamilton, and even rookie Isack Hadjar topped the timesheets. Hadjar stunned with a 1:28.518—until Oscar Piastri edged closer, and finally Lando Norris lit up the board with a 1:28.163.
Then—another red flag. This time, due to a grass fire at the Dunlop curve, likely ignited by sparks from the cars. Flames spread quickly, halting the session yet again.
Final Fire and Frenzy
With only seven minutes left, a final fire broke out beside the track, prompting a fourth red flag. The chaos left teams without the usual long-run data they rely on from FP2. FP3 will now be crucial to fill in those gaps ahead of qualifying.
Oscar Piastri finished on top with a 1:28.114, ahead of teammate Norris, making it a McLaren 1-2. Hadjar held onto third, followed by Hamilton and Liam Lawson. Russell, Leclerc, Verstappen (who complained of heavy understeer), Gasly, and Sainz rounded out the top ten.
Alex Albon led the midfield in P11, ahead of the Saubers and Haas cars. Behind them were Antonelli, Alonso, Tsunoda, Stroll, and an unfortunate Jack Doohan, who was back from the medical center by the end of the session.
Time session
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes MCL39 | 1:28.114 | 13 |
| 02 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes MCL39 | 1:28.163 | 12 |
| 03 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT VCARB 02 | 1:28.518 | 12 |
| 04 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari SF-25 | 1:28.544 | 14 |
| 05 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT VCARB 02 | 1:28.559 | 13 |
| 06 | George Russell | Mercedes W16 | 1:28.567 | 13 |
| 07 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari SF-25 | 1:28.586 | 14 |
| 08 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Honda RBPT RB21 | 1:28.670 | 9 |
| 09 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault A525 | 1:28.757 | 13 |
| 10 | Carlos Sainz | Williams Mercedes FW47 | 1:28.832 | 9 |
| 11 | Alex Albon | Williams Mercedes FW47 | 1:29.023 | 11 |
| 12 | Nico Hülkenberg | Stake F1 Kick Sauber C45 | 1:29.062 | 12 |
| 13 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Stake F1 Kick Sauber C45 | 1:29.335 | 13 |
| 14 | Esteban Ocon | Haas Ferrari VF-25 | 1:29.507 | 13 |
| 15 | Oliver Bearman | Haas Ferrari VF-25 | 1:29.654 | 10 |
| 16 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes W16 | 1:29.733 | 13 |
| 17 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin Mercedes AMR25 | 1:29.978 | 5 |
| 18 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Honda RBPT RB21 | 1:30.625 | 12 |
| 19 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Mercedes AMR25 | 1:30.845 | 12 |
| 20 | Jack Doohan | Alpine Renault A525 | 1:31.659 | 4 |
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Piastri Leads Wild FP2 as Doohan Crashes, Fire Halts Run
Piastri Leads Wild FP2 as Doohan Crashes, Fire Halts Run