P1racenews AI automatic summary:
What we learned from Friday F1 practice at the 2024 Japanese GP
In opening practice for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Red Bull set the pace, but the rain in FP2 disrupted the session significantly compared to the 2023 event at Suzuka. Red Bull seemed concerned about Charles Leclerc’s strong performance in FP1 and the potential threat from Ferrari. The cool April weather added intrigue to the race, with many expecting a Red Bull domination given their previous success at Suzuka. Technical updates from Red Bull and Aston Martin were closely watched, with Red Bull facing challenges with aerodynamic components. Verstappen’s performance in FP1 was not as dominant as in 2023, indicating a more competitive field this year. The rain in FP2 limited running and forced teams to strategize for the possibility of wet conditions on race day.
