McLaren Tips Mercedes Japanese GP as the largest F1 rival

McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Noris And Oscar piastry faith Mercedes Later this week, he will have the largest rival in the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

After winning a race Epise in Australia and China, Noris and Piestry were preferred to win in Japan and had very little to give suggestions to run Friday’s practice – Noris topped FP1 And PIASTRI led a dissatisfied FP2 by four red flags,

Although Noris felt that McLaren was “still on top”, he was impressed by it George RussellMercedes driver’s best lap was just 0.163 behind McLaren.

Russell’s Stopping Team-Mate Andrea Kimi Antoneley A representative lap could not meet simultaneously, but looked competitive at long lasting speed.

“I still think we are at the top, but George was very early this morning, we were just as soon as the hurry,” Noris said.

“So, I think Mercedes are in a good place. The red bull may look a little more closed, but they have seen in qualifying and then they come a little closer again.

“FP2 was just a messy session, so I don’t think this session was probably the best example where everyone was. I think perhaps FP1 was a better example that you saw teams in order. But I still hope that it would be a difficult fight tomorrow and a difficult fight.

“I hope this is good and easy for us, but I am sure Mercedes at least – and of course George from today’s performance – will challenge us a little.

“We took a few steps forward, but still have some things to try and improve. It was just difficult due to the wind. You are at such a good limit like the first sector.

“The smallest of the wind can actually bother the car. I am sure everyone is struggling with the same thing.”

Piastry resonated his team partner’s comments when asked about the Peking order of F1 in Japan: “It is really difficult to know. FP1 was difficult to gain momentum from a car. I was very comfortable in FP2, but I think Mercedes looked very early.

“I am confident that we have got good speed for the rest of the weekend, but it’s still a bit difficult at this point, so I think we are still on our toes.”

McLaren led the standing of the constructors after the first two weekends of the 2025 season and the British outfit is 21 points ahead of Mercedes in second place.