Sainz’s accident
Max Verstappen dominated a chaotic Japanese Grand Prix to secure his 12th victory of the season, edging closer to a second world title. The race was interrupted for more than two hours after Carlos Sainz collided on the first lap, and a weather-impacted schedule reduced the event to 45 minutes. Sergio Pérez finished second on the podium after Charles Leclerc crossed the line ahead of him, ultimately settling for third place.
If the weather produced unusual on-track drama, the outcomes and scoring stirred confusion as well. Analysts and pilots wondered whether the points distribution would be adjusted. With only half the planned laps completed, FIA regulations offered the option to award the usual 25 points to the winner, sealing Verstappen’s status as a two-time world champion.
Sainz’s accident
The race began in heavy rain with a slippery track and forecasts suggesting more downpours. Drivers experimented with tire choices, but the risk remained high. Vettel made contact with Alonso at the start, sending a portion of his Aston Martin toward Gasly, who had started from the pits due to a penalty.
Gasly’s fear reminiscent of the Bianchi tragedy in Suzuka
Carlos Sainz battled for the third starting position but aquaplaned and lost control of his Ferrari, colliding with the wall. The safety car was initially deployed, then the FIA decision was to clear debris and red-flag the race for safety. Verstappen led at the time after a strong pole defense against Leclerc, who launched a bold start and put Verstappen under pressure.
Gasly’s Big Fear
After Sainz’s first-lap crash, Gasly returned to the pits to repair his front wing. He emerged nearly out of sight on track and faced a moment that reminded everyone of a similar image from Jules Bianchi’s accident. “My God, what is this crane doing on the road! This is unbelievable, unacceptable,” Gasly radioed in distress. When the race stopped, the French driver left the car in a panic, fearing for his safety and the possibility of a repeat scenario.
The FIA opened an investigation into the crane incident. Gasly rejoined the track after the restart, but the safety car group moved at high speed, exceeding 250 km/h under the car’s control. The red flag had been shown only seconds earlier. Video evidence circulated on social media showing the tow truck in close proximity to racing cars as the restart approach loomed.
Jules Bianchi’s father reacted to the dangerous moment on social networks, emphasizing respect for a driver’s life and the memory of Jules. The drivers expressed anger at the situation, insisting that cranes should not be on the track again and that the sport must learn from today’s events.
minutes of action
Two hours later, racing resumed with just 45 minutes remaining. The pace quickened behind the safety car as teams managed the conditions with intermediate tires and the risk of standing water. Vettel led the restart and immediately faced pressure from Leclerc, who kept Verstappen honest despite limited visibility caused by spray from the Dutchman’s car.
As the session progressed, strategy shifted toward intermediate tires with around 35 minutes left. Fernando Alonso briefly led before the field shuffled behind him, while Esteban Ocon’s late pit stop elevated his position.
Verstappen widened his lead over Leclerc to more than 10 seconds amid ongoing tire wear and track limits challenges. Pérez held third with Hamilton pressing hard for a move on Ocon, who defended resolutely.
Pérez made a late lunge at Leclerc, a bold attempt that turned into a significant moment of contact. The move not only altered the podium order but also cost Leclerc five seconds in the final classification, dropping him from second to lower in Japan and impacting the championship standings.
Verstappen ultimately secured the championship with four races remaining on the calendar, marking his second title and elevating his career tally to 32 wins. Fernando Alonso, who endured a tough day, recovered to seventh to reclaim a place in the points after prior disappointments.