MOSCOW, Oct 7 Two-time world champion Alpin driver Fernando Alonso became the best in the first session of free races of the 18th stage of the Formula 1 championship — the Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place at the Suzuka circuit. The Spaniard showed a time of 1 minute 42.248 seconds. The second place was taken by his compatriot Carlos Sainz from Ferrari (+0.315 seconds), another Ferrari driver Monegasque Charles Leclerc (+0.386) closed the top three. Red Bull's overall leader Max Verstappen (+1.114) was sixth, while Mercedes' seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (+2.310) was 13th.
Schumacher slides off at the end of the session
He was on his way back to the pit lane but crashed into the barriers #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter .com/y8p1xfhcay
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2022 The practice took place in rainy conditions. Several pilots flew off the track, they also complained about poor visibility. Racer “Haas” Mick Schumacher crashed into the barriers, his car was torn off the front suspension.
You can just see him… 👀
Sainz has reported that the conditions are not far away from intermediate conditions #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com /WnlWy8VjBd
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2022 The second free practice will take place later on Friday.