We expected a wet race and great emotions from Suzuka, but we received basically a perfectly controlled class victory from Max Verstappen, which was not disturbed by anything, not even the promised rain.
In fact, the latter did not arrive, as well as the sparkling battles and fireworks. We will not remember the Japanese Grand Prix as the race of the year, which basically had two main and cardinal moments: the first was the start, which Verstappen easily managed in front of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the McLarens had no chance of changing position. This then did not succeed on the track either, both in terms of strength and pace, so Norris and his team tried to do it through tactics, which almost succeeded. Verstappen and Norris practically crossed the finish line together and left the pits, only the Dutch determination prevented the change of position.
Thus, the race was led by Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, while behind them Charles Leclerc was running in an empty space. Even further behind, the two Mercedes in the lineup George Russell, Kimi Antonelli - the latter certainly deserves praise for his balanced and excellent performance as a rookie in a top team. The only positive aspect of the race - besides Verstappen's impeccable production - was the battle between the two McLarens and the performance of the rookies. In fact, not only Antonelli shone, but also Isaac Hadjar was aiming for a massive score, and Oliver Bearman was back in the points. However, the situation at the front did not change, so in the end Max Verstappen achieved a classy victory, worthy of his name, overtaking Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Photo: Independent / Japan GP
