Max Verstappen’s unrivaled dominance continued on Sunday as the Dutchman won the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix after virtually leading from start to finish.
His retirement in the fourth round two weeks ago in Australia now seems like nothing more than a blip. His rear brakes caught fire a few kilometers after the start.
At Suzuka, the three-time reigning world champion was in control of the event from start to finish, except for a few laps after his pit stop. He crossed the finish line 12.5 seconds ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
Carlos Sainz Jr. finished 20 seconds behind in his Ferrari to take the third step of the podium.
Quebecer Lance Stroll had to settle for 12e position aboard his Aston Martin. His teammate Fernando Alonso took sixth position at the finish.
Verstappen is in first position in the drivers’ standings and has won 22 of 26 races since the start of the 2023 season. Only Perez and Sainz have been able to win a race in the same period.
Responding to a question, Sainz suggested that Verstappen and Red Bull were so dominant that the championship race could already be over after just four GPs.
“I think they will definitely have an advantage in the first third of the season until we make one or two changes,” Sainz said. But by then it might be a little too late with the advantage they might have in the rankings. »
Verstappen of course gave a different speech, stating that the season was going to be competitive and that the Red Bull car could struggle during races held on street circuits.
“It’s a very long season,” he argued. I don’t really think about the rest of the season. »
A red flag neutralized the race on the first lap following contact between Alexander Albon (Williams) and Daniel Ricciardo (RB). Both pilots escaped unhurt.
The race was otherwise free of dramatic moments.
“The critical point was the start to stay in the lead and after that the car got better and better,” Verstappen said. It couldn’t have been better. »
Verstappen, who now has 57 career victories, has 77 points, 13 more than Perez. Charles Leclerc (59) and Sainz (55) follow for Ferrari.
“It’s good to win, and it’s good to win here in Japan,” said Verstappen, whose car is powered by a Honda engine. It’s always an important race for us and it’s great to win here in front of Honda. »
“Melbourne was a bit of an accident,” he added. But what we did today is what we want to do and what we aim for every weekend. »
The Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, of the RB team, collected the point of the 10e place.
The next event will be the Chinese GP in two weeks. F1 has not been to this country since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A sprint race is planned there.