Japanese Grand Prix Results: Verstappen Returns To Winning Ways; Red Bull Clinches Constructors’ Title

Red Bull clinched their second successive Constructors’ Title, which marked their sixth such win overall.

Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 24, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan.

Source : Getty Images

In a thrilling Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen reigned supreme, once again gracing the top step of the podium. This victory also marked a significant moment for Red Bull Racing, as it secured the Constructors' Championship at the Suzuka circuit, taking only 16 races to accomplish this feat.

This achievement marks Red Bull's sixth Constructors' title, underscoring their dominance in Formula 1 this season. Max Verstappen, the Dutch sensation, cruised to his 13th victory this season, further solidifying his position as the top driver in Formula 1.

The podium at Suzuka witnessed two McLaren drivers alongside Verstappen, with Lando Norris taking second place and Oscar Piastri claiming the third spot. However, Max's teammate, Sergio Perez, endured a challenging day and was unable to finish the race.

The Japanese Grand Prix was filled with intense on-track battles, often featuring teammates vying for positions. Notable clashes included the duel between the two Alpha Tauri drivers and an intense battle between the Mercedes teammates.

RACE CLASSIFICATION (LAP 53/53)

Perfection from Verstappen 👌#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/sOelj3CpQz

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 24, 2023

The race's start witnessed a flurry of incidents, with multiple cars making contact at the first turn. Notably, Carlos Sainz made a remarkable start, resulting in a four-car side-by-side battle involving Leclerc, Perez, and Hamilton. This tussle pushed Hamilton wide, causing damage to Perez's front wing.

A more severe incident occurred when Alex Albon, starting from 19th position, collided with Valtteri Bottas' Alfa Romeo, leading to debris damaging Zhou Guanyu's Alfa Romeo. Fernando Alonso emerged as a significant gainer during the start, climbing from 10th to 6th position.

CHAMPIONS! 🏆@redbullracing make it back-to-back constructors’ titles!#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/mL8kEpdLNZ

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 24, 2023

Perez and Bottas had to pit under the Safety Car to replace their damaged front wings. Unfortunately, Bottas faced further misfortune as he retired from the race after a collision with Logan Sargeant, who later also retired due to damage.

Red Bull's fortunes were mixed during the race. While Max Verstappen secured victory, Perez received a five-second time penalty for gaining positions under the Safety Car. Perez's race took a turn for the worse when he attempted an overly ambitious move on Kevin Magnussen, resulting in a significant collision. This incident echoed a similar one in Singapore when Perez had contact with Albon. Perez was instructed to retire from the race even before race control imposed a penalty.

Fernando Alonso voiced his discontent with the team, claiming he had been asked to pit too early. His hard compound tires lacked grip compared to his competitors, leading to overtakes by Leclerc, Sainz, and Hamilton.

Eventually it was Verstappen who claimed victory, crossing the line with a substantial 19-second lead over Norris. Oscar Piastri secured the final podium place.