(Suzuka) Dutchman Max Verstappen regained his champion form on Sunday by winning the Japanese Grand Prix, moving closer to his third consecutive title as Formula 1 driver monarch.
The Red Bull driver, who missed the podium the previous weekend in Singapore, started from the lead position and held on to score his 13the victory of the season.
McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second, 19.4 seconds behind Verstappen, while his teammate, Australian rookie Oscar Piastri, was third for his first F1 podium.
PHOTO KAZUHIRO NOGI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
From left to right: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri on the podium
With Verstappen’s victory, Red Bull secured the 2023 constructors’ title, its sixth overall and its second in a row.
Verstappen also increased his lead over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to 177 points. He could clinch his third consecutive title at the Qatar Grand Prix, which takes place from October 6-9.
It was a disastrous day for Perez, who received a penalty for hitting Haas driver Kevin Magnussen and retired from the race after serving his penalty.
Party of 10e Instead, Fernando Alonso led his Aston Martin to eighth position. Quebecer Lance Stroll, who started the 17e place, saw his race end on 21e tour due to mechanical problems.
Ideal conditions
Verstappen saw his record 10-win streak come to an end at Marina Bay in Singapore and arrived in Japan determined to get back on the top step of the podium.
PHOTO PETER PARKS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Max Verstappen
Before Sunday’s race, he had dominated every session at the fast Suzuka circuit, where he won the championship last year in a rain-shortened race.
The conditions on Sunday were ideal and Verstappen took full advantage of them.
The start of the race was exciting, with Verstappen, Piastri and Norris going blow for blow, but the Red Bull driver maintained his lead through the first two corners.
PHOTO ISSEI KATO, REUTERS
Max Verstappen (center) managed to stay in the lead at the start of the race.
The safety car came out on the first lap when Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas made contact with another car, resulting in debris on the track.
Verstappen was able to quickly regain the lead after his first pit stop and was never seriously threatened.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished fourth, followed by Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.