Max Verstappen is back on the winning track after racing away with the laurels in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Red Bull also – the smart people’s calculators spoke – did enough to collect its second manufacturers’ title in a row.
Verstappen had to fend off a fierce attack from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in their McLarens early in the race, while a collision or two also added to the start drama.
Sergio Perez – who suddenly had to swerve out of Carlos Sainz’s path – sent Lewis Hamilton spinning towards the grass along the track, while Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Alexander Albon were also part of the chain collision.
But in the midst of it all, Verstappen kept his cool to win his 13th race of the season.
“It was an incredible weekend, it’s great to win in Japan and the race car was firing on all pistons. However, it is just as important to collect the manufacturers’ title and I am very proud of the whole team,” said Verstappen.
The next race is on October 8 in Qatar.
Results:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Driver scoring:
- Max Verstappen: 400 points
- Sergio Perez: 223 points
- Lewis Hamilton: 190 points
- Fernando Alonso: 174 points
- Carlos Sainz: 150 points
- Charles Leclerc: 135 points
- Lando Norris: 115 points
- George Russell: 115 points
- Oscar Piastri: 57 points
- Lance Stroll: 47 points
Manufacturer Punctuation:
- Red Bull: 623 points
- Mercedes: 305 points
- Ferrari: 285 points
- Aston Martin: 221 points
- McLaren: 172 points.
