Max Verstappen reigns supreme with commanding victory at Japanese Grand Prix

SUZUKA: World champion Max Verstappen reaffirmed his dominance in Formula One by clinching a third consecutive pole-to-flag triumph at the Japanese Grand Prix, leading his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to a remarkable 1-2 finish at Suzuka.

After enduring his first retirement since 2022 in Melbourne, ending a nine-race winning streak, the Dutchman returned with a vengeance, showcasing impeccable performance and overcoming any mechanical setbacks to secure three wins out of four races this season.

Verstappen’s commanding lead of 12.535 seconds over Perez, coupled with the fastest lap of the race, underscored his unparalleled skill and determination on the track.

Carlos Sainz, victor in Australia two weeks prior, showcased his prowess by leveraging fresher tires in the latter stages of the race, relegating his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who opted for a one-stop strategy, to fourth place.

Reflecting on his triumphant return to the top, Verstappen expressed satisfaction, stating, “You know it was a little hiccup of course the last race but very happy that we are here back on top.”

Perez’s ascent to second place in the drivers’ championship, trailing Verstappen by 13 points, further solidified Red Bull’s dominance in the current season.

Sainz, who faces replacement by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next season, admitted post-race concerns about his strategy, highlighting the strategic complexity of Formula One racing.

Behind the leading pack, McLaren’s Lando Norris secured fifth place, while the Mercedes duo of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton struggled, finishing seventh and ninth respectively.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso clinched sixth place, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in eighth, while Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda delighted the home crowd with a tenth-place finish, securing points in his home Grand Prix for the first time.