'I feel like I've got a bit of a North Star' – Hamilton offers verdict on Friday practice performance in Japan

Lewis Hamilton says he "feels like I've got a bit of a North Star" to aim for after struggling for confidence with his Ferrari during Friday practice ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The seven-time World Champion enters this weekend at the Suzuka Circuit having taken a Grand Prix podium for the first time with Ferrari last time out in China, with the Scuderia proving to be Mercedes' closest challenger during the new-for-2026 era so far.

But both Hamilton and team mate Charles Leclerc found themselves behind the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during Friday's two, one-hour practice sessions in Japan, with Hamilton complaining about a lack of confidence with his SF-26.

Although Hamilton stated the feeling was similar to last season, the Briton believes there is a clear path to try and work towards in order to improve the situation and keep Ferrari towards the front over the weekend.

"It's just the way of this track, it's a massively demanding circuit," said Hamilton. "Amazing to drive but getting the right balance, I think it's just something in how this car is set up.

"Some similarities to what I felt last year. We're just working on that, so I'm confident overnight we can find something and get it to a better place.

"It's an awesome circuit but you need to be able to sit on the rear and be comfortable that it's going to stay with you, and today I had the snaps. I just can't seem to match the other guys.

"We'll do a deep dive tonight, get some interesting readings from the simulator but I feel like I've got a bit of a North Star, it's just how do we get there. [We're] going to try and figure that out.

"There is more potential in the car, it's just figuring out how to unlock that. That's what we've got to focus on."

Hamilton will look to follow up his maiden Ferrari podium – achieved last time out in China – with a solid performance in Saturday's Qualifying at Suzuka, taking place at 1500 local time following the third and final practice session at 1130.