Red Bull will head into Saturday’s Japanese GP qualifying as clear favourites for pole after Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez topped the third and final practice in Suzuka.
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has squashed a recent report claiming that the Silverstone-based outfit had made a massive offer to Red Bull’s start designer Adrian Newey.
Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa was all smiles after his official F1 baptism of fire in Friday’s Japanese GP opening practice with RB, describing the experience of lapping Suzuka in an F1 car as “a special feeling”.
McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were cautiously optimistic that they will be firmly in the running this weekend after a solid start in Friday's practice sessions at Suzuka.
Red Bull might have swept to a 1-2 finish in first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka International Racing Course, but Carlos Sainz has stated his belief that Ferrari is closing the gap to their rivals.