Doohan Crashes as Suzuka Practice Halted Four Times
Doohan Crashes as Suzuka Practice Halted by Four Red Flags
Alpine’s Jack Doohan suffered a high-speed crash during Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, triggering the first of four red-flag stoppages that disrupted the session. Fortunately, the Australian driver walked away uninjured.
Initial impressions suggest the crash may have been caused by his Drag Reduction System (DRS) remaining open as he approached Suzuka’s high-speed Turn 1 at 160mph. However, Alpine has yet to confirm the cause, stating they are still “assessing” the incident.
Doohan’s accident was followed by further disruptions, including an off-track excursion by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, who became stranded in the gravel at Degner One.
The session was also interrupted twice due to grass fires near the track, believed to have been ignited by sparks from the cars on a dry circuit.
Despite the chaotic session, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri set the fastest time, followed by teammate Lando Norris.
Young French driver Isack Hadjar impressed with the third-best time for Racing Bulls on his first-ever visit to the notoriously challenging Suzuka circuit. Lewis Hamilton placed fourth for Ferrari, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson.
With temperatures unusually low at just 13°C and strong north-westerly winds affecting the cars through Suzuka’s fast corners, drivers reported challenging conditions.
Norris commented, “The wind makes a big difference, especially on a circuit like this where you’re on the limit for a long time in the first sector. Even the tiniest gust can upset the car a lot.”
Mercedes’ George Russell, who finished sixth, noted that conditions will shift again on Saturday as wind direction is expected to reverse, further altering car balance. Meanwhile, reigning champion Max Verstappen struggled with understeer in his Red Bull and finished eighth.
The unexpected grass fires, which occurred between Dunlop and Degner One and later near Spoon Curve, prompted F1’s governing body, the FIA, to take preventative measures for the remainder of the weekend.
A statement confirmed that grass has been cut shorter, dried patches removed, and the trackside areas will be dampened before Saturday’s sessions to reduce the risk of further fires.
Doohan Crashes as Suzuka Practice Halted Four Times
