Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix: The Standout Performers and Disappointments

The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka was a thrilling race filled with impressive performances and missed opportunities. Here are the winners, losers, and rookies that left their mark on this tepid yet exciting event.

Winner: Max Verstappen

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen delivered an outstanding performance at Suzuka, securing his fourth consecutive pole position in Japan. Despite the challenges posed by his car and fierce competition from McLaren, he managed to come out on top with a swashbuckling one-lap wonder on Saturday and a cool, calculated drive on Sunday.

Verstappen’s victory was surprising even to him, as he had no right to beat the quicker McLarens. His emotional reaction underlined the significance of his achievement and served as a reminder to his rivals that he will seize any opportunity to gain an edge.

Loser: McLaren

McLaren could have secured another 1-2 finish at Suzuka, but missed out due to strategic errors and a lack of innovation in their approach. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had the potential to put pressure on Verstappen, but failed to do so, leaving valuable points on the table.

McLaren‘s performance at Suzuka highlighted the need for them to take risks and try new strategies if they want to secure more victories in the future. The team’s constructors’ lead over Mercedes was extended, but this opportunity for a podium finish was wasted.

Winner: Isack Hadjar

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar impressed once again at Suzuka, scoring his first-ever points and putting his disappointing Australian GP exit behind him. Despite some seatbelt issues in qualifying, he demonstrated maturity and raw speed to secure seventh on the grid.

Hadjar’s performance at Suzuka confirmed that he is ready for F1 promotion and will be a tough competitor for returning driver Liam Lawson. His measured drives and quick learning abilities make him a formidable force in the racing world.

Loser: Lance Stroll

Aston Martin‘s Lance Stroll struggled at Suzuka, finishing off the lead lap and scoring no points. He was caught up by a gust of wind during qualifying, which left him comfortably last on the grid. Despite having no strategic miracles to work with on Sunday, he couldn’t make up positions or capitalize on starting on soft tyres.

Stroll’s performance at Suzuka was disappointing compared to his teammate Fernando Alonso, who almost scored a point in a mediocre car and kept Tsunoda’s quicker Red Bull behind.

Winner: Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli impressed at Suzuka despite struggling throughout practice. He applied everything he had learned to secure sixth on the grid alongside George Russell, setting a record for the youngest race leader and fastest lap setter in the process.

Antonelli’s performance at Suzuka demonstrated his grit and determination to work through difficult weekends. His character-building F2 campaign at Prema seems to be paying off as he continues to make progress in the racing world.

Loser: Sauber

Sauber struggled at Suzuka, finishing 16th and 19th respectively with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto starting from the back of the grid. Despite bringing a first batch of upgrades to Japan, the team has a lot of work to do if they want to compete with rival teams like Haas.

Sauber’s performance at Suzuka was disappointing compared to their strong showing in Australia, where they capitalized on the rain. The team will need to improve significantly if they want to stay competitive in the racing world.

Winner: Oliver Bearman

Rookie driver Oliver Bearman impressed once again at Suzuka, qualifying out of position and emphatically quicker than his experienced teammate Esteban Ocon. Despite starting in 10th place, he managed to remain there throughout the race, holding off faster cars driven by Hadjar and Alex Albon while avoiding pressure from Alonso behind.

Bearman’s performance at Suzuka was a testament to his skill and determination as a rookie driver. His qualifying run was particularly impressive, as he managed to reach Q3 despite never having seen the track before.

Loser: Carlos Sainz

Experienced driver Carlos Sainz struggled at Suzuka, continuing his slower than expected adaptation period at his new Williams squad. Despite hints of progress and getting closer to Albon on one-lap pace, he was handed an unfortunate grid penalty that hindered his performance.

Sainz’s performance at Suzuka highlighted the challenges he faces in adapting to the handling traits of the Williams car after four years of driving Ferrari‘s lineage of cars. Despite being a quick and technically savvy driver, he is currently relying on Albon to bring in points for the team as they fight Racing Bulls in the midfield.