PRACTICE DEBRIEF: Are McLaren a threat to Mercedes in Japan after setting the pace on Friday?

McLaren ended Friday on top at the Japanese Grand Prix, but how do the reigning champions stack up compared to their rivals?

Mar 27, 2026 11:09am UTC

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto

Oscar Piastri set the pace as McLaren showed an eye-catching turn of pace around Suzuka's sweeping turns, but are they the ones to beat in Japan or are Mercedes or Ferrari set to star this weekend?

So, tell me more about this McLaren pace as they looked good...

They did indeed – and boy do they need it after a woeful Chinese Grand Prix where neither Lando Norris nor Oscar Piastri were able to take the start.

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PRACTICE DEBRIEF: Are McLaren a threat to Mercedes in Japan after setting the pace on Friday?

So, tell me more about this McLaren pace as they looked good...

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