Red Bull and Ferrari exchanged roles again at Suzuka, re-establishing order also at Fanta F1. In the first four events we have 2 different winners: Verstappen e Sainz. The Dutchman is obviously ahead with 3 victories to 1. Ferrari was in fact only able to take victory in Australia, in the only stage in which Red Bull had serious difficulties, especially with Verstappen. At Suzuka the ambition of taking victory was almost impossible for the Red Team. Despite this, the two Ferrari drivers maximized their result by finishing third and fourth, making it clear that they were the second overall force. Even at Fanta F1, after Verstappen they are the drivers with the highest scores. Charles' comeback, with the consequent vote of best Sky driver, and Carlos' podium allowed the two to obtain several points, so many that they were almost the best couple of the weekend. So let's see the top 5 at Fanta F1 in Japan, again in reference to a budget of 100 credits.
The top 5 of the weekend in Japan at Fanta F1
The top 5 of the weekend was tight but the winning combination with 100 credits sees Max Verstappen as captain, supported by an irrepressible Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard initially put together an excellent qualifying, placing himself in fifth position. In the match he achieved the result, also thanks to an intelligent defense on George Russell. The remaining three drivers in the top 5 are Logan Sargeant, who finished last but still ahead of Albon, who retired on the first lap due to a contact with Ricciardo, and the two Haas.
The team made up of Verstappen, Alonso, Sargeant, Hulkenberg and Magnussen scored 68,5 points, 101,5 with Verstappen as captain.
The weekend forecast at Fanta F1
If predictions such as Max Verstappen's victory and the double were more "obvious", others were less so. At Suzuka the main threat was the rain which didn't arrive. On the other hand, a red flag immediately arrived in the race. This partially upset the plans of the teams who had no other opportunity to play for a pit stop. Let's see the predictions that came true.
Safety Car in the race: No
Virtual Safety Car in the race: No
Red Flag in the race: Si
Drivers use wet or full wet tires in the race: No
Team double in the race: Si
Driver who starts on pole wins the race: Si
Teams to bring both cars into the top 10: 4
Vehicles forced to retire: 3
