Max Verstappen there is and, after the weekend in Singapore, vince the Japanese GP ahead of two McLarens with a super Lando Norris, second, and Oscar Piastri celebrating his first podium in F1. The first is fourth Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc, while Sainz finishes in sixth position. Let's discover together the report cards of the top ten of the Japanese GP.
The report cards of the Japanese GP, the podium
Max Verstappen
"How much will the new technical directive impact you? Zero". With these words, Max Verstappen presented the Japanese GP, confirming that the problems in Singapore on his RB19 were just a coincidence. Race, yet another, dominated and first opportunity - in two weeks in Qatar - to officially become world champion. Vote 10.
Lando Norris
McLaren second force on track. Everything is going well for the Woking team: the car is fast and the strategy implemented allows both Norris and Piastri to get on the podium. The Englishman takes second place, demonstrating that he has more than his teammate, only that Max couldn't be taken. Rating 8.5.
Oscar piastri
At the start he tried to attack Max, who however immediately blocked his path. Overtaking attempt never actually achieved, but the management of the race was very positive and he took home his first podium in Formula 1. As a rookie. At 22 years old. Anything else to add? Rating 8.5.
Off the podium
Charles Leclerc
What a great race from Charles. Say what you want, but he defended and strongly wanted fourth position, with a McLaren that was significantly faster. Overtaking Russell? Marvelous. Rating 8.
Lewis Hamilton
The contacts with his teammate had caused concern, but then came the excellent final stint managed with the Hard tyres, also taking the position - via the undercut - on Sainz. Really a good race. Rating 8.
Carlos Sainz
He lost position to Hamilton following the undercut performed by the Mercedes driver. He tried to get close to the seven-time world champion, but it wasn't enough to take the fifth position he initially gained following Perez's disastrous performance. Rating 7.
George Russell
He tried. Once again, as in Singapore, she wanted to dare: the only pit didn't work and in the end she really suffered a lot. He should be appreciated, however it happened, for his desire to try. Rating 6.5.
Fernando Alonso
The Aston Martin fails to take flight. With the soft tires he started very well, but the gap - and the enormous difficulties in overtaking Ocon on the straight - are proof that the AMR23 isn't running like it did at the beginning of the season. Rating 5.
Esteban Ocon
The early pit and the excellent start allow the Frenchman to conquer the points zone, having started the GP in fourteenth place. A nice sign that makes up for Singapore's unfortunate withdrawal. Rating 7.
Pierre Gasly
Clean race, without major hitches. Top ten which is good for him and the team, considering a lackluster start to the weekend. Rating 6.
