Impressive Crawford 'quickly up to speed' in F1 Japanese GP practice session

The 20-year-old replaced Fernando Alonso for the opening session of the weekend at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, a place where Crawford had never driven before today.

The American finished 22nd, one second behind Lance Stroll in the other AMR26, but the ability to quickly transition from the simulator to the troublesome car was an impressive milestone.

"It was great, my first time in the car, first time here at the circuit, and I enjoyed every lap of the few laps I did. I really enjoyed it today, and I felt quite quickly up to speed, which was good and positive in case I, of course, ever need to jump in again," Crawford explained to F1TV after his FP1 session.

Crawford had been doing extensive simulator work for the British team in his role as Third Driver. However, he got behind the wheel of the AMR26 for the first time, which was key in bringing him to Suzuka this weekend.

After wins in Australia and China, Mercedes came to Japan looking to continue their commanding start to the 2026 campaign.

They did so in FP1, as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli led the way ahead of Lando Norris in the McLaren.

However, Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri turned things on its head in FP2 and found some pace to snatch P1 away from Antonelli in second, setting up an enthralling qualifying battle on Saturday.