Verstappen sweeps Japan and could win Qatar
In a display of precision and pace, Max Verstappen dominated the Japanese Grand Prix 2023, clinching his 13th victory of the season and the 48th win of his Formula 1 career. The triumph also sealed the Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull, marking a pivotal moment in the 2023 season as the team extended its lead and demonstrated the depth of its lineup across the calendar.
The weekend in Suzuka unfolded with Verstappen showing blistering speed and tactical cleverness, building on a season-long stretch of consistency. Across the weekend, rival teams pressed hard, but Red Bull remained steps ahead in both qualifying and the race, reinforcing Verstappen’s position as the dominant driver of the year. The results reflected a combination of exceptional driving, a responsive car, and a strategy that consistently favored victory from the drop of the green flag. Source: Formula One
Carlos Sainz did not quite replicate his recent podium streak from Monza and Singapore, where he secured his first win of the year. In Japan he finished in sixth place, a solid result but short of the top positions. Fernando Alonso, piloting an Aston Martin that showed rhythm but not the outright pace of the leaders, crossed the line eighth. These results underscored how competitive midfield battles can be on a track that rewards high downforce and disciplined execution. Source: Formula One
GP Japan. Race Class (53 laps)
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:30:58.421
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) at 19.387
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) at 36.494
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 43.000
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) at 49.376
6. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), at 50.221
7. George Russell (Mercedes), at 57.659
8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 74.725
9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine), 79.678
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), at 83.155
11. Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri) 1 lap away
12. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) 1 lap
13. Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1 lap away
14. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) 1 lap down
15. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) 1 lap behind
RETIRED
Alexander Albon (Williams)
Logan Sargeant (Williams)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
Source: Formula One