P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen predicts potential Suzuka difficulty despite strong start
Max Verstappen dominated the Friday practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix but predicts that tyre wear could make the race difficult. He comfortably topped both practice sessions, being nearly half-a-second clear of Carlos Sainz in the first session and just three-tenths ahead of Charles Leclerc in the second practice. The Suzuka track is known for its abrasive surface and high lateral forces, making tyre wear an important factor. Verstappen felt that the car was fun to drive from the first lap and it looks like they had a strong day on both short and long runs. He acknowledged that the competition from Ferrari and McLaren is close, but their focus is on optimizing their performance for a shot at pole position and the win.
Source: RacingNews 365
