In the fast-paced world of Formula One, the Japanese Grand Prix 2023 delivered an adrenaline-pumping race that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From Max Verstappen’s dominant victory to thrilling overtakes and unexpected twists, this race had it all. In this article, we break down the 16th round of the 22-race Formula One season, providing you with a detailed analysis of each team’s performance.
RED BULL: Verstappen’s Dominance Continues
Max Verstappen showcased his prowess once again, securing his 13th victory of the season and his second consecutive win in Japan. Racing from pole position, Verstappen displayed impeccable control and even secured the fastest lap. With this win, he’s now on the verge of claiming his third title, with his teammate, Sergio Perez, trailing by a significant 177 points. Perez, unfortunately, had a nightmare race, marred by multiple collisions and penalties.
MERCEDES: Hamilton and Russell’s Battle
For Mercedes, it was a challenging race. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both dropped positions at the start, primarily due to the collision with Perez. The two Mercedes drivers engaged in early battles for position. While Hamilton opted for a two-stop strategy (medium-hard-hard), Russell’s one-stop strategy didn’t yield the desired results. Mercedes even instructed the drivers to switch positions, emphasizing the importance of protecting Hamilton’s position in the championship.
FERRARI: Consistent Scoring
Ferrari continued their impressive run, outscoring Mercedes for the fourth consecutive race. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc put up a strong performance. Sainz managed to get ahead of Perez at the start, while Leclerc strategically pitted for fresh hard tires for the closing stages of the race. Both drivers executed overtakes, capitalizing on the Mercedes drivers switching positions.
ASTON MARTIN: Stroll’s Precaution and Alonso’s Complaints
Aston Martin faced challenges as Lance Stroll retired early due to a rear wing failure. Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, was critical of the team’s decision to pit him early, claiming it exposed him to competitors. Despite these setbacks, Alonso made a comeback on a second set of hard tires.
MCLAREN: Double Podium Delight
McLaren celebrated their first double podium since Monza in 2021, with Lando Norris securing second place and rookie Oscar Piastri finishing third. Norris managed to get ahead of Piastri at the start, but Piastri benefited from a well-timed pit stop during a virtual safety car period. McLaren strategically instructed their drivers to swap positions, optimizing their race strategy.
ALPINE: Strategic Driver Switch
Alpine made an interesting strategic move by swapping their drivers, allowing Pierre Gasly to challenge Alonso. The decision was reversed towards the end of the race, with Gasly complying. However, Ocon and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas collided early in the race.
WILLIAMS and HAAS: A Tough Race
Williams’ Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant faced early retirements due to various issues, including penalties and collisions. Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg fought hard to climb up the grid but faced multiple pit stops. Kevin Magnussen, starting on mediums, was spun around by Perez, leading to additional pit stops.
ALFA ROMEO and ALPHATAURI: Zhou’s Fight and Lawson vs. Tsunoda
Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo had a challenging race, suffering damage in early collisions and eventually retiring after further incidents. Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou had to pit for a new front wing but managed to gain positions on a two-stop strategy. Meanwhile, Alphatauri’s Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda had a close battle for ninth place, with Lawson describing it as aggressive but fair.
In conclusion, the Japanese Grand Prix 2023 delivered a thrilling spectacle for Formula One enthusiasts. Max Verstappen’s dominance, Mercedes’ struggles, and Ferrari’s consistent performance were among the highlights. McLaren’s double podium and Alpine’s strategic driver swap added to the excitement. With each race, the championship battle intensifies, promising more excitement in the upcoming rounds.