We expected a rainy race and serious excitement from Suzuka, but instead we got a perfectly controlled class win from Max Verstappen, untroubled by anything, not even the forecast rainfall.
Because that didn't happen, just like the sparkling battles and fireworks. We won't remember the Japanese Grand Prix as the race of the year, which actually had two key moments: one was the start, which Verstappen completed comfortably ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, leaving the McLarens no chance of changing positions. Neither power nor speed were able to achieve that on the track, so Norris and his team tried to resolve the situation tactically, which they almost succeeded in doing. Verstappen and Norris finished the race practically at the same time and rolled out of the pit lane; it was only thanks to the Dutchman's aggressiveness that they didn't change positions.
The race thus unfolded in the order of Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri at the front, while behind them, Charles Leclerc was lapping in a vacuum. Even further back in the lineup were the two Mercedes drivers: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli – the latter certainly deserves praise for his balanced and outstanding performance as a rookie in a top team. The only positive aspect of the race – apart from Verstappen's flawless performance – was the battle between the two McLarens and the performance of the rookies. Not only did Antonelli shine, but Isaac Hadjar also went for massive points, and Oliver Bearman once again appeared among the points scorers. At the front, however, the situation remained unchanged, and Max Verstappen ultimately secured an extremely smooth, worthy class victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, overtaking Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Photo: Independent / Japan GP
