Max Verstappen dominated the Japanese Grand Prix, leading a Red Bull one-two with teammate Sergio Perez.
Verstappen, who took an early race stoppage at Suzuka in his stride, secured his third victory in four races this season, extending his championship lead.
The race was red-flagged on the first lap following a collision between Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon’s Williams. Both drivers were unhurt, but the barriers needed repairing, leading to a 20-minute stoppage.
Verstappen, starting from pole, controlled the race from the front, while Perez, despite a less serene race, comfortably secured second place.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz passed teammate Charles Leclerc late on to take third, utilizing a different strategy. Leclerc, starting eighth, deployed a one-stop strategy and finished fourth, showcasing impressive tyre management.
McLaren’s Lando Norris finished fifth, ahead of a close fight between Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Mercedes’ George Russell, and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Russell eventually passed Piastri on the final lap to secure seventh.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished ninth in a disappointing race for the team, while Yuki Tsunoda secured the final point for Red Bull.
Verstappen’s victory, coupled with Perez’s second place, underlined Red Bull’s overwhelming superiority in the race, as they continue to dominate the 2024 season.
