Suzuka, Japan
Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, leading Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to a one-two finish.
Verstappen started from pole position and controlled the race from start to finish, winning by 12.5 seconds over Perez.
Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ title was increased with the win, his third of the year.
Race Highlights
- Verstappen led from start to finish.
- Perez overcame a difficult beginning to place second.
- Carlos Sainz finished third for Ferrari.
- Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari.
- Fernando Alonso finished sixth for Alpine.
- Oscar Piastri finished seventh for Alpine.
- George Russell finished eighth for Mercedes.
- Lewis Hamilton finished ninth for Mercedes.
- Yuki Tsunoda finished 10th for AlphaTauri.
Verstappen Dominant
Verstappen dominated the competition the entire weekend. He started the race on pole position and led the entire distance. With the victory, which was his third of the year, Verstappen’s lead against Perez in the drivers’ championship grew to 46 points.
Perez Recovers
Perez had a slow start to the race, but he recovered to finish second.
The Mexican driver was passed by Lando Norris early in the race, but he fought back to retake the position.
Perez then held off a late challenge from Charles Leclerc to secure second place.
Perez Recovers
Carlos Sainz finished third for Ferrari.
The Spanish driver ran a two-stop strategy and was able to hold off the challenge of Charles Leclerc for the final podium position.
Leclerc Frustrated
Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari.
The Monegasque driver ran a one-stop strategy and was able to lead the race briefly, but he lost out to Verstappen and Perez on the longer runs.
Alonso Impresses
Fernando Alonso finished sixth for Alpine.
The Spanish driver ran a strong race and was able to hold off the challenge of Oscar Piastri for the position.
Piastri Shows Promise
Oscar Piastri finished seventh for Alpine.
The French rookie driver impressed on his debut at Suzuka and was able to hold off the challenge of George Russell for the position.
Russell Frustrated
George Russell finished eighth for Mercedes.
The British driver was frustrated by his team’s strategy and was unable to challenge for a higher finish.
Hamilton Disappointed
Lewis Hamilton finished ninth for Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion was disappointed with his performance and was unable to match the pace of his teammate George Russell.
Tsunoda Scores Points
Yuki Tsunoda finished 10th for AlphaTauri.
The Japanese driver scored his first points of the season on his home race weekend.
Stroll and Hulkenberg Battle
Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg battled for 11th place.
The Canadian driver was passed by the German driver on the final lap.
Magnussen, Bottas, Ocon, and Gasly
Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly finished 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th respectively.
Sargeant Retires
Logan Sargeant retired from the race after 17 laps with a technical issue.
Zhou Retires
Zhou Guanyu retired from the race on the first lap after a collision with Nicholas Latifi.
Conclusion
Sergio Perez lost to Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz came in third place. For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc placed fourth. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso came in sixth. Oscar Piastri of Alpine came in eighth. George Russell of Mercedes came in seventh. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton placed tenth. Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri placed tenth.
