- Even though Typhoon Hagibis is closing in, the first Free Practice session went underway in dry conditions in Suzuka.
- Carlos completed 21 laps across three sets of tyres –two mediums, one soft– and set a 1:30.702 to finish the session in seventh place, feeling confident from the very first laps.
- The McLaren driver suffered an electrical issue that led to a stoppage on track in the very first minutes, losing half an hour of track-time, but his mechanics solved the problem just on time to unfold an extensive run plan despite the initial difficulties.
