La Derecha Diario Formula 1: Verstappen excelled, McLaren delivered, and Alpine disappointed again in Japan
The Dutchman was crowned for the first time in the season at Suzuka with a solid performance, surpassing the McLaren duo, who completed the podium
Max Verstappen returned to the top of the podium this Sunday, after leading the Japanese Grand Prix from start to finish without any issues. At the iconic Suzuka circuit, the Dutch driver achieved his first victory of the year and dangerously closed in on the championship leader, Lando Norris, trailing by just one point. The British McLaren driver finished in second place, and his teammate, Oscar Piastri, completed the podium.
The race started under dry conditions, despite forecasts predicting rain. Most drivers opted for medium tires, although some chose hard or soft compounds. From pole position, Verstappen started without complications and stayed in front, followed by the McLarens. Throughout the race, Max managed his lead to prevent Norris from using DRS.
The most significant moment of the race occurred during the pit stops. Both Verstappen and Norris entered at the same time, and upon exiting, the British driver attempted to overtake him but ended up slightly off track. The action received no penalty. During that period, young Kimi Antonelli briefly took the lead and became the youngest driver to lead a Formula 1 race, at just 18 years old. However, after his pit stop, Verstappen regained the lead.
In the final laps, Piastri showed a superior pace to Norris and requested permission to attempt an overtake, but his team did not want to make changes. Verstappen maintained his solid pace and crossed the finish line first, securing his first victory of this season and his fourth consecutive in Japan, equaling Sebastian Vettel's record. At 27 years old, the three-time world champion is just one point behind Norris in the overall standings.
Completing the top ten were Leclerc, Russell, Antonelli, Hamilton, Hadjar, who scored points on his debut, Albon, and Bearman. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, recently promoted to Red Bull in place of Liam Lawson, finished 12th.
Alpine still hasn't started the season
Alpine continues to struggle at the start of this season and once again failed to score points at the Japanese Grand Prix, the third round of the Formula 1 calendar. To make matters worse, the French team left Suzuka with a hefty bill for the damages suffered by Jack Doohan's car after the severe accident he had on Friday during the second free practice session.
This Sunday, the Australian driver started from 19th place and opted to use soft tires, which offer quick grip on the asphalt but wear out more easily compared to other compounds.
Doohan managed to overtake Esteban Ocon (Haas) and made his first pit stop on lap 16, fitting hard tires. For much of the race, he remained in 17th place, ahead of Pierre Gasly, although his teammate would eventually surpass him.
The Frenchman, meanwhile, started the race on hard tires and, after a single stop, fitted a second set of the same type. He eventually crossed the finish line in 13th place, while Doohan finished 15th.
Colapinto and a possible debut that seems increasingly closer
Franco Colapinto joined Alpine on loan from Williams for a five-year period and represents Flavio Briatore's big bet. Amid rumors of a possible release clause in Jack Doohan's contract, the Argentine driver could have his chance to move up and compete again in Formula 1. Doohan is said to have signed an agreement for six Grands Prix, of which he has already competed in four since his debut in the last race of 2024, and his continuation would depend on the results obtained.
The Australian's poor start, along with the damages his car has suffered and the costs resulting from his accidents, fuel the speculation about a possible early driver change within the French team.
Although Alpine has four reserve drivers, Colapinto appears as the main candidate to replace Doohan, thanks to his experience last season, where he participated in nine Grands Prix with Williams. Also waiting are Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, who made a good impression on Friday by driving Doohan's car in FP1 at his home Grand Prix, and Kush Maini.
Driver and Constructor Standings after Suzuka
Drivers:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) - 62 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 61 points
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 49 points
- George Russell (Mercedes) - 45 points
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 30 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 20 points
- Alex Albon (Williams) - 18 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 15 points
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 10 points
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 10 points
- Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) - 6 points
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 5 points
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) - 3 points
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 1 point
- PIERRE GASLY (Alpine) - 0 points
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 0 points
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) - 0 points
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 0 points
- JACK DOOHAN (Alpine) - 0 points
Constructors:
- McLaren - 111 points
- Mercedes AMG F1 - 75 points
- Red Bull - 61 points
- Ferrari - 35 points
- Williams - 19 points
- Haas F1 Team - 15 points
- Aston Martin - 10 points
- Racing Bulls - 7 points
- Kick Sauber - 6 points
- ALPINE F1 TEAM - 0 points
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