Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are both wary of the two Mercedes cars heading into Japanese Grand Prix qualifying.

Although Norris topped FP1 and then Piastri led a McLaren one-two in FP2 at Suzuka, the pair are wary of the threat of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Piastri said: “I think FP1 was difficult to get pace out of the car. I think FP2, I was much more comfortable, but I think Mercedes looked very quick as well.

“[They] just didn’t find much on the softs, which I think with this kind of session, it’s always a bit tricky to get a proper read.

“I think the pace is there, and I’m feeling confident that we’ve got good pace for the rest of the weekend, but it’s still still a little bit tricky at this point. So, I think we’ve still got to be on our toes.”

While Norris said: “I still think we’re at the top, but I think George [Russell] was very quick this morning, just as quick as us.

“So I think Mercedes is in a good place. Maybe Red Bull looked a little bit further off, but they have looked further off into qualifying, and then they get a bit closer again.

“Maybe FP1 was a better example that you kind of saw teams in order, but I still expect it to be close and a tough battle tomorrow. I mean… I hope it’s not!

“I hope it’s nice and easy for us, but I’m sure, Mercedes, at least with George from today’s showings, will be challenging us a bit tomorrow.”