Russell leads Mercedes 1-2 in second Japanese Tests

Back on wet tarmac at the Suzuka circuit, intermediate-tired George Russell scored for the first time in the second Japanese GP practice session, two and a half tenths ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Set-up issues for Max Verstappen and Ferrari who were 0.85″ and 1.27″ off the lead.

Not much happened with the full rain tires for the first half-hour: Lewis Hamilton stopped Carlos Sainz by a tenth and a half the first time on them, while Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen didn’t bother to go out on the track in wet rubber.

But at exactly 30 minutes George Russell tried the intermediate wet tire first and was immediately two and a half seconds faster than Hamilton. As a result, all drivers started a series of fast laps on these tires – maybe also simulating qualifying tests –: while Russell kept improving his fastest lap time, Verstappen was initially one and a half tenths behind him.

Russell fell further back and stayed in first place until it was Hamilton who moved up to second place, 0.235 inches behind his compatriot in the other Mercedes W13. At the same time, Verstappen reported to his team that the intermediate rain tires were starting to overheat during a fast lap.

Quite a few times the Dutchman had to correct the rear of the RB18 at the exit of right-hand bend 9 (before crossing the bridge). His car’s tendency to reverse was an indication of the set-up problems he was having, which stemmed from the severe understeer that Verstappen reported in his radio communications with his team.

Perhaps that explains the champion’s 0.8-second deficit over Russell – but things weren’t going any better for Ferrari either. Saint was 1.3 inches from the lead and just tenth Leclerc, 2.8 seconds back. The Spaniard said at the time that the feeling of the Ferrari F1-75 “she’s feeling pretty bad at the moment.” when Sergio Perez finished 4th with the other RB18 and a little later came within 48mm of Verstappen.

In the third and final half hour, always on the Intermediate tire as the rain returned slightly, nothing changed as all the riders who took to the track did so to collect data on the Intermediate tires – with one high fuel load – if they needed it .in the game on Sunday.

The three-day Japanese GP continues tomorrow (Saturday 8/10) with the third free practice session at 06:00 (Greek time) and then at 09:00. with the qualifying tests on the Suzuka racetrack – according to the weather forecast, but probably in sunshine.