Formula 1 2024: Japanese Grand Prix
Track Insights:
The Japanese Grand Prix is an iconic race that has been a mainstay in the Formula 1 calendar for decades. Known for its challenging Suzuka Circuit, this race demands the best from drivers with its fast corners and unpredictable weather conditions. The passionate Japanese fans bring a unique energy to the event, creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout the race weekend. Over the years, the Japanese Grand Prix has seen memorable moments that have solidified its place in motorsport history. From legendary battles on the track to championship-deciding races, this event continues to captivate fans worldwide with its blend of tradition and excitement.
This track sees drivers go through 18 corners, 1 DRS zone and a lap length of 5.807km. Drivers are tasked with circling this track 53 times for a total of 307.471km.
Starting Grid:
Pole: Max Verstappen: Red Bull
P2: Sergio Perez: Red Bull
P3: Lando Norris: Mclaren
P4: Carlos Sainz: Ferrari
P5: Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin
P6: Oscar Piastri: Mclaren
P7: Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes
P8: Charles Leclerc: Ferrari
P9: George Russell: Mercedes
P10: Yuki Tsunoda: VCRB
P11: Daniel Riccardo: VCRB
P12: Niko Hulkenberg: HAAS
P13: Valteri Bottas: Sauber
P14: Alex Albon: Williams
P15: Esteban Ocon: Alpine
P16: Lance Stroll: Aston Martin
P17: Pierre Gasly: Alpine
P18: Kevin Magnussen: HAAS
P19: Logan Sargeant: Williams
P20: Zhou Guanyu: Sauber
Race Highlights:
My goodness. Turn 2- which is known for contact between drivers- was no different today. First lap saw a massive crash between VCRB Daniel Riccardo and Williams Alex Albon that sent both cars into the wall with a red flag being waved immediately. This has some implications as Max Verstappen got away well and had a nice little gap that will now be gone when the cars restart. For Williams, the hope is that the chassis is okay. As we all know, Alex crashed out in practice in Melbourne and damaged the chassis so badly that it had to be shipped back to Williams HQ for repairs and Logan Sargaent was benched.
It is well known since this incident that Williams has no extra chassis so we will watch for reports on what the future state of the vehicle will be. If that wasn’t enough for Williams today, Sargaent, who was having arguably one of his best races and had moved himself all the way up into 11th got locked up and had his car sent into the gravel on lap 43. Thankfully, he was able to reverse back on to the track but would have to settle for 17th and hope that there is minimal to no damage to his repaired car.
Once the race restarted about 40 minutes later, Tsunoda in the VCRB took a wide start and gained several crucial positions where Nico Hulkenburg, who got a great first start- had a terrible second start and lost any and all positions he had gained earlier. Now normally, I would say that coverage is usually focused on the battles happening in the middle to rear of the pack- but today that was not the case. The battles happened to be between Mercedes, Mclaren and Aston Martin to see who could get themselves higher in the top ten and bring their teams more points. Lando Norris of Mclaren admitted post race that he was struggling with pace throughout the race but was ultimately able to keep George Russell in the Mercedes and Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin at bay. While his teammate Oscar Piastri was busy fending off 7x World Champion Lewis Hamilton in his lack luster Mercedes. The elected ‘Driver of the Day’ was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who came in fourth behind his teammate Carlos Sainz- personally, it makes me wonder if Ferrari put their eggs in the right basket next season. I mean- yes, I don’t believe they could go wrong with signing lewis Hamilton. He wants that 8th World Championship and if you get him in a consistent and reliable car, he definitely still has it in him. But was Charles’s contract the right one to extend?
In the end, we get yet another 1-2 finish from the Red Bull team and 3-4 for the Italian team. Mclaren came in 5th and 8th with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso getting some points in 6th. Mercedes also got some much needed points from 7th and 9th. Home town Hero Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the points in 10th- bringing a lot of smiles to the Japanese fans who came to see him. China is next in 2 weeks and several teams are expected to bring big upgrades. Will it be enough or will their struggles continue?
Podium:
1st: Red Bull: Max Verstappen (26)
2nd: Red Bull: Sergio Perez (18)
3rd: Ferrari: Carlos Sainz (15)
