Red Bull one-two at the F1 Japanese GP. Max Verstappen wins, Sergio Perez second, Sainz’s Ferrari third.
Four races and three victories for Dutchman Verstappen to win the 2024 Japanese GP, while Ferrari is confirmed as the second force in a Formula 1 championship that already seems a foregone conclusion. All in all, it went well for Ferrari, with Sainz overtaking teammate Leclerc in the finale to take third place.
F1 Japan, Red Bull’s race
Max Verstappen, started from pole position and once again demonstrated his skill and control on the track, maintaining the lead in both the original start and the restart after the interruption due to the accident between Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon’s Williams.
His victory marks the 57th on his record and allows him to increase his lead in the championship, despite his retirement from the previous competition in Australia, demonstrating the resilience and perseverance that mark him out as the driver destined to win a third consecutive World Champion title.
Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate no had a race as exhilarating as Verstappen’s, but it is yet another confirmation of the technical and strategic superiority of the Red Bull team
F1 Japan, Ferrari
After a Saturday that tested Scuderia Ferrari, the team found a great performance from Carlos Sainz, who took the third step of the podium, and Charles Leclerc, who made a spectacular comeback from eighth to fourth. These results not only reaffirm Ferrari’s position as the second force in the championship, but also demonstrate the team’s ability to overcome difficulties and achieve significant results.
At Suzuka, Ferrari opted for divergent strategies for its drivers, thus improving its scoring opportunities and strengthening its position in the Constructors’ championship. With five podiums in four races, including a win in Australia for Sainz, Il team of Maranello has moved closer to Red Bull, narrowing the gap to just 21 points. This beginning of the season marks a marked improvement over the previous year.
Sainz played a strategic game, masterfully managing the tires and making the most of his SF-24’s potential. His ability to maintain the pace and overtake his opponents in the final laps secured him a well-deserved podium finish, solidifying his position in the top ranks of the drivers’ championship.
Charles Leclerc showed remarkable skill in tire management and race strategy, completing a long stint on Medium tires and finishing the race with only one pit stop. His performance was recognized and appreciated by the fans, who voted him “Driver of the Day” for the fourth time this season.
Ferrari now looks to the next Grand Prix in China, where it hopes to and further shorten the gap to Red Bull.
