Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix and secured Red Bull’s sixth constructors’ championship. After a disappointing race in Singapore, people wondered if Red Bull could bounce back. Verstappen’s excellent performance erased any doubts. He had a flawless start, keeping the McLarens at bay. Then, he gradually pulled away from the rest. Mercedes needed to outscore Red Bull by one point to have a chance at the championship, while Ferrari needed 24 points. However, Verstappen’s victory made it impossible for both Mercedes and Ferrari. Verstappen is now close to winning his third drivers’ championship in a row.
Sergio Perez retired early in the race, leaving McLaren as the only credible threat to Verstappen. Lando Norris finished second, showing his skill. Oscar Piastri, on his debut race in Suzuka, temporarily took the lead but couldn’t hold onto it. He still managed to get his first-ever Formula 1 podium.
1. **Max Verstappen** – 1:30:58.421
2. **Lando Norris** – +19.387
3. **Oscar Piastri** – +36.494
4. **Charles Leclerc** – +43.998
5. **Lewis Hamilton** – +49.376
6. **Carlos Sainz** – +50.221
7. **George Russell** – +57.659
8. **Fernando Alonso** – +1:14:725
9. **Esteban Ocon** – +1:19:678
10. **Pierre Gasly** – +1:23:155
*Additional noteworthy performances:*
– **Liam Lawson** – +1 Lap
– **Yuki Tsunoda** – +1 Lap
– **Zhou Guanyu** – +1 Lap
– **Nico Hulkenberg** – +1 Lap
– **Kevin Magnussen** – +1 Lap
