We expected a rainy race and serious emotions from Suzuka, but we basically got a perfectly controlled class victory from Max Verstappen, which was not disturbed by anything, not even the promised precipitation.
In fact, these did not happen, just as there were no brilliant fights or fireworks. We will not remember the Japanese Grand Prix as the race of the year, which actually had two main, cardinal moments: one was the start, which Verstappen made without any problems in front of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and the McLarens did not have any chance to change positions. So, on the track it was not possible either in terms of strength and speed, so Norris and his team wanted to do this tactically, which they almost succeeded in. Verstappen and Norris finished practically simultaneously and came out of the pits, only the Dutchman's aggression prevented the change of positions from taking place.
So, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri were the order at the top, while behind them, Charles Leclerc was running in empty space. Much further behind them, followed the two Mercedes, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli - the latter deserves praise for his balanced and excellent performance, considering that he is a rookie at 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, it was not only Antonelli who shone, but Isaac Hadjar was also looking for massive points, and Oliver Bearman reappeared among the points again. However, at the top, the situation did not change, so that, in the end, Max Verstappen achieved an extremely smooth victory, worthy of his name, overtaking Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Photo: Independent / Japan GP
