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Max Verstappen wins the Japanese GP, Red Bull 1-2
Max Verstappen won the Japanese GP without even breaking a sweat. Sergio Perez finished P2 making it a Red Bull1-2. Carlos Sainz fought fair and hard and finished on the podium. Charles Leclerc, who started P8 finished the race in P4. Lando Norris completing the Top 5.
RED FLAG: Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon into the wall
Both Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon have crashed on the first lap. As the drivers squeeze into the S's at Suzuka, Ricciardo squeezes Albon onto the grass and hits the Williams with his rear tire and off into the wall. Both drivers are okay and are out of the car
Oscar Piastri and George Russell fighting hard for P7
Russell divebombed Oscar Piastri going into the final chicane. The Brit did not give the Australian any room and didn't have the car ahead of the McLaren, forcing Piastri off the track and as a result, the Australian cut the chicane. The incident is noted by race control for forcing another driver off track
Charles Leclerc vs Carlos Sainz for the podium
Carlos Sainz passed Lando Norris for P4 and is now behind Charles Leclerc, just one second adrift. Looked like we will get to see the two teammate race on the track but Ferrari sent team orders to Leclerc asking him not to lose time with Sainz.
Logan Sargeant into the Gravel
Logan Sargeant carries way too much speed into Degner, locks up, and puts the Williams into the gravel. Heart in-mouth moments for the Williams after Alex Albon crashed the car earlier. Sargeant was able to stop the car in time, not hit the barrier, and reversed onto the track in a dangerous way
Carlos Sainz overtakes Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, on older hard tires, is easily overtaken by Carlos Sainz on new hard tires. Hamilton's teammate, George Russell comes into the pits for a new set of tires. Hamilton asked if he want to pits,but the 7X champ reports the tires are still good
Lando Norris vs Charles Leclerc in the pits
Charles Leclerc went off track and as a result, Sergio Perez passed him and then the Monegasque had Norris on his gearbox. Both Leclerc and Norris came into the pits at the same time. the came out of the pits in the same position they went in with Leclerc ahead of Norris. Unfortunately, as they were coming out, George Russell slotted between this duo.
