Verstappen dominates Japanese GP as Red Bull secures 1-2 finish

Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass in domination at the Japanese Grand Prix, leading every lap from pole position to clinch a convincing victory for Red Bull.

The reigning world champion was in a league of his own at Suzuka, breezing past his rivals with surgical precision.

Race Start Chaos

The race had a dramatic beginning when Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon were involved in a heavy crash at Turn 3 on the opening lap.

As Ricciardo moved over on the Williams driver, the pair made contact and speared into the barriers, causing an immediate red flag stoppage.

A lengthy delay of nearly 30 minutes ensued as marshals worked to repair the damaged tyre wall.

Verstappen's Pace

When the race restarted, Verstappen asserted his authority from the front, comfortably leading Sergio Perez away at the second standing start.

While Perez kept the lead deficit within a second initially when DRS was enabled on lap 4, Verstappen's relentless pace saw him incrementally extend his advantage.

On lap 6, Perez ran wide at Degner 2, losing nearly a second to his teammate.

Strategies

Red Bull executed a two-stop strategy, pitting both drivers for a second set of medium tires around lap 15.

This brief pit phase allowed Charles Leclerc, on a daring one-stop tactic after starting 8th, to lead for a handful of laps.

However, Verstappen easily passed the Ferrari on lap 21, utilizing DRS on the start/finish straight's outside line.

By lap 23, with Verstappen clearing Lando Norris as well, the gaps stood at 6.5 seconds between the Red Bull teammates, with Leclerc a further 1.2 seconds adrift in third.

The defending champion continued relentlessly pulling away, carrying an 11-second advantage over Perez by the final pit stops around lap 33, where both RB18s took on hard compound tires.

Podium Battle

While Leclerc temporarily split the Red Bulls, Perez managed to repass the Ferrari on lap 26 after Leclerc went off at Degner 2.

In the closing laps, Carlos Sainz utilized his tyre life advantage from a two-stop strategy to muscle past both Leclerc and Norris, claiming the final podium position.

Midfield Squabbles

A late-race clash between Oscar Piastri and George Russell at the chicane will be investigated post-race, after Russell charged past the McLaren on the final lap to take 7th.

Piastri had locked up at the chicane a lap earlier, enabling Russell's DRS run on the pit straight to make the move.

Lewis Hamilton endured a challenging race for Mercedes, crossing the line 9th, while Yuki Tsunoda delighted home fans by scoring the final point in 10th with a gritty drive including two bold passes through the Esses complex.

With a maximum 26 points from Suzuka, Verstappen extended his lead to 13 points over Perez in the Drivers' standings.

Driver Standings after the Japanese Grand Prix

Constructor Standings after the Japanese Grand Prix