Max Verstappen regains his dominance in the Japanese Grand Prix of 2024 with a victory following a major crash involving Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon

Max Verstappen returned to winning ways to claim victory in the Japanese Grand Prix, securing a resounding Red Bull one-two finish in a race that showcased his remarkable driving skills. After encountering a shock first race retirement in two years at the Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen responded in dominant style at Suzuka, crossing the finish line ahead of his teammate, Sergio Perez, with a commanding 12-second lead. The race was not without its dramatic moments, as it was red-flagged on the first lap due to a collision between Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon, both of whom suffered heavy impacts with the barriers.

The unexpected restart added an extra layer of complexity to the race, with Verstappen having to navigate two getaways from pole position. Despite this challenge, he successfully held off Perez at the second start and proceeded to lead the pack. The race unfolded against the backdrop of diverse tyre strategies within the top 10, adding excitement and unpredictability to the competition.

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, who had emerged victorious in the previous race in Australia, showcased his racing prowess by securing a hard-fought third place, edging out his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, for the final podium berth. Despite a challenging qualifying round that left him starting from eighth on the grid, Leclerc executed an unconventional one-stop strategy that enabled him to deliver an impressive performance during the race.

Lando Norris, representing McLaren, faced a formidable battle during the race, ultimately finishing in fifth position after being overtaken by both Ferraris. The McLaren team’s race pace proved insufficient to retain its initial standing in the competition. Notably, Fernando Alonso displayed exemplary skills in the Aston Martin, defending his position and securing a commendable sixth place despite facing pressure from seemingly faster cars.

The race also witnessed compelling duels further down the pack, with Oscar Piastri and George Russell engaging in an intense battle for position. Russell, piloting a Mercedes, executed a bold move to overtake Piastri for seventh place at the start of the final lap, following a brief clash between the two drivers earlier in the race. While the race stewards conducted a post-race investigation into the incident, no further action was deemed necessary.

Lewis Hamilton, starting from the seventh position on the grid, encountered a challenging race, ultimately finishing in ninth place. The Mercedes team opted for a one-stop strategy following the red flag, equipping both their cars with hard tyres. Hamilton, grappling with understeer, yielded position to Russell during the first stint and faced difficulties in making up lost ground thereafter.

Amidst the captivating on-track battles, Yuki Tsunoda delighted the enthusiastic Japanese crowd by securing the final point in 10th position, adding a touch of local flavor to the grand prix. The Japanese driver’s performance provided a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating race that captivated fans and showcased the exceptional talent and resilience of the drivers and teams participating in the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.