Stop and… go. After what was seen in Singapore, with the success of Sergio Perez, Formula One does not stop and flies to Japan. After three years, as in the case of Marina Bay, we return to Suzuka, on one of motorsport's most iconic tracks.
In Japan amidst controversy
La Singapore race has left more and more doubts about the management of the season by the FIA. At Marina Bay, for the Federation there was a new hole in the water. The time it took to communicate was undoubtedly the cause of a sensation penalty (of 5 seconds plus reprimand) finally given to Sergius Perez, therefore confirmed winner. Choices that warm up the paddock, as well as that one linked to the budget cap. Indeed, it is rumored that Red Bull has breached by as much as 10 million the maximum expenditure ceiling (of 145 million) last season. A big hot potato that passes into the hands of the FIA, which will communicate his decision to everyone on Wednesday.
Romantic closure
Decision that interests, and of course also a lot, the Red Bull. After Perez's victory, the team of Milton Keynes keep winning and don't intend to stop. The icing on the cake could come to Suzuka, "home" land considering Honda. In fact, Max Verstappen could become world champion for the second consecutive year. The Dutchman, after dominating the last five races, messed up in Marina Bay: in the race he made a series of mistakes not like him, which cost him seventh place. In Japan, Super Max will seek redemption to mortgage a world championship which, in any case, is already his.
Key phrase: continuity
The goal of Ferrari it must instead be to watch race after race. The world championship is now in the hands of Max and in Maranello working for 2023. In Singapore it was good view red, with the second place of Leclerc and the third of Sainz, but the easing of the technical directive of the FIA it undoubtedly helped the Maranello team. Suzuka is a very technical track and for this reason it will be interesting to understand how Ferrari will perform, especially in terms of DT39.
Wasted opportunity
On the other hand, those who did not convince in Singapore were there Mercedes. The characteristics of the circuit could give hope for a good race by Hamilton and Russell who, on the other hand, for various reasons, didn't shine. The ex Williams was undoubtedly very unlucky. Already in qualification failed to pass q2, for an accelerator problem which led him to change the power unit and start from the pit lane. Instead, a different story for Hamilton who committed too much enthusiasm a few too many mistakes that took him from third to ninth place. In Suzuka, the chances of victory for Mercedes are remote, but this does not exclude the possibility that the Brackley team can also reach a podium.
The challenge reignites
He will no doubt go on a ransom hunt the Alpine after the two retirements in Singapore. Outs that allowed McLaren's rivals to make the most of it with fourth place for Norris and fifth for Ricciardo. With this result, clearly unexpected, the fight for fourth place in the constructors with five races to go is getting more and more alive.
It runs in the morning
These are the various reasons why the Suzuka Grand Prix should not be missed. However, sacrifices will have to be made, as the alarm will go off very early throughout the weekend! We will start as always on Friday with the FP1 scheduled at 5.00, followed by FP2 at 08.00. Not to be missed as always qualification on Saturday at 08.00, anticipated by the third and last free practice session at 05.00. Unmissable on Sunday the race scheduled at 07.00.
It will be possible to follow everything always live and exclusively on Sky Sport F1, streaming on Now and deferred on TV8.
Japanese GP, the appointments
Friday 14th October
05.00 Free Practice 1
08.00 Free Practice 2
Saturday October 8
05.00 Free Practice 3
08.00 pm Qualifications
Sunday October 9
07.00 Race
