Spanish carlos sainz (Ferrari) lost control of this Sunday cart and left and collision on the first lap—without significant physical consequences, Japanese Grand Prixeighteenth world Formula 1, which takes place in rainy Suzuka.
As a result of the pre-hairpin Sainz crash and other events that corresponded to the eleventh of the 18 corners of the legendary Japanese circuit other drivers also lost control of their vehicles – Thai Alex Albon (Williams) also retired –, the direction of the race was decided in the first place as a safety tool; Before ordering a red flag (due to a crane entering the track), he interrupted a test where everyone faced the intermediate tire.
Sainz, 28, started third in a test with the Dutch pilot. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), the leading leader of the World Championship, started from pole position and defended himself deftly. and the attack of Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) who started second – outside the first corner – is spectacular.
Both will face the resumption of the race in these positions. Mexican Sergio Perez -partner of ‘Mad Max’, who finished fourth and beat the Spaniard from Ferrari-, He’ll do it from third place.
With Sainz’s departure, both France’s Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and seven-time British world champion position themselves. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and other Spaniard, double Asturian world champion Fernando Alonso (Alp); They will face the resumption of the scheduled test at 14:50 local time (GMT 05:50 GMT), ten minutes to eight, in that order, fourth to sixth.
Verstappen leads Leclerc with a 104-point advantage in World Cup and 106 were compared to ‘Checo’ and this Sunday was able to mathematically solve the reaffirmation of the title. There are various combinations, but the easiest to memorize Dutchman wins with the fastest round; or wins and Monegasque does not come second.