Max Verstappen sets the record straight. In a very early Japanese Grand Prix in France, the three-time reigning world champion perfectly made up for his retirement two weeks ago in Australia by winning the fourth round of the season at Suzuka, his third consecutive coronation in Japan.
Starting in pole position, the Dutchman never trembled even after a first start disrupted by the impressive crash of Alexander Albon and Daniel Ricciardo in the first turns. Both drivers escaped unscathed despite the violence of the collision between the two cars but especially with the wall of tires.
Up front, Verstappen had to manage a second standing start. No problem for the Red Bull driver who kindly but gently created the necessary gap with his teammate Sergio Perez to be calm for the rest of the race. In a Grand Prix where the drivers pitted many times, the Dutchman benefited from the help of his mechanics who made the fastest pit stop of the season in just two seconds. “Super Max” even achieved the Grand Slam at Suzuka, taking the point for the best lap.
Leclerc’s great comeback
Behind him, Sergio Perez settled for second place for the third time this season without ever being able to put pressure on his teammate. On the third step of the podium, we find Carlos Sainz, definitely in form after his success in Melbourne.
The Scuderia driver had to get rid of his teammate Charles Leclerc (4th) in the last laps of the race, author of a good comeback from his 8th position at the start thanks in particular to a very good and long first stint. Lando Norris (McLaren) completes the Top 5 ahead of Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin).
Just behind, the two Mercedes drivers (Russell 7th, Hamilton 9th), on an offbeat strategy after having put on hard tires from the start of the Grand Prix, did not really benefit from it, Piastri (8th) inserting himself between the two men. At home, Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) completes the Top 10 and scores the first points in Japan of his career.
The new Alpine ordeal
At the back of the pack, the Alpines experienced an ordeal throughout the race. Although they got off to a good start at the second start on hard rubber, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly never managed to get their tires to work, and finished 15th and 16th, once again very far from the points.
