Analysts 'encouraged' by Mercedes' potential new rival at the Japan GP

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished close behind the two Mercedes, and the Australian driver topped the second session of the day at the Suzuka Circuit.

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok said on the British channel: "I'm encouraged by what we have seen from McLaren. I'm sure Lando's session was compromised by the hydraulics issue earlier on."

Still, he also highlighted that Mercedes could still have more left in the tank. He added: "Let's see when we get to FP3 and Qualifying. Lewis Hamilton said in China that he knows Mercedes turn it up a notch in Q2 and Q3."

Strategy expert Bernie Collins was also positive about the papaya team. "McLaren have made a step forward. They look much closer to Mercedes. Lando will feel on the back foot but will have lots of data from Oscar to go through and can catch up for FP3," she concluded.

On the other hand, the defending world champion was disappointed with the lack of laps he was able to complete today.

Norris explained: "Not the way you want things to go at the minute, especially because you're just learning with every lap you can still do, and I'm lacking a lot of laps."