Alpine suffer nightmare end to Japanese Grand Prix FP2 after CRASH causes red flag

Pierre Gasly had an unfortunate end to his FP2 at the Japanese Grand Prix after he crashed into the barriers to cause a red flag.

The Frenchman, who recorded the 19th fastest time of the session, locked up at Degner 2 and skidded through the gravel before making contact with the wall.

Alpine will have work to do to fix what looks to be some nasty suspension damage despite the relatively low impact.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Albon EXCITED by new Williams F1 project as star driver enjoys extra responsibility

The crash came with just two minutes left in FP2, prompting an early end to the session, as Gasly took to team radio to apologise to the team.

Team-mate Esteban Ocon finished the session in 12th, with both drivers having plenty to ponder ahead of Saturday's final practice and qualifying sessions.

First sessions at Suzuka

At the top of the order it was firmly business as usual for Max Verstappen, who looked to put a disappointing weekend in Singapore behind him as he topped both FP1 and FP2.

Lando Norris impressed yet again for McLaren, while Ferrari meanwhile saw both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz take it in turns to finish behind Verstappen in each of the practice sessions.

Mercedes endured a difficult time on track at Suzuka, with Lewis Hamilton ending FP2 down in 14th.

George Russell managed to improve on his 13th fastest lap time in FP1 to finish the following session in P5.

READ MORE: Best F1 TV commentators and presenters: GPFans Broadcaster Power Rankings

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Race Today: Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream

• 1 hour ago

Amended F1 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix starting grid with all late penalties in Sepang applied by the FIA

• 2 hours ago

F1 Results Today: 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia positions and times from Sepang

• 2 hours ago

Lewis Hamilton hits back over Ferrari speculation - 'No clue what they're talking about'

• 3 hours ago

Kimi Antonelli stunned after being told his real Bahrain Grand Prix grid position

• Yesterday 20:02

Max Verstappen delivers brutal putdown to Red Bull team-mate at Bahrain Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:55