Verstapens Japan Grand Prix beats Norris / Day
The two top favorites of the championship began the race from the first line, with Verstapen in front of Noris.
Very close to the two were in the 22nd, when he went out of the only boxing visit, Norris drove alongside Verstapen. The Red Bull pilot did not give the McLaren driver’s chance to return to the first track within the terms of the rules, and Norris drove down the lawn.
Alongside the two were in the final laps, but Verstapen held on to the victory, while the other two places on the podium were occupied by McLaren pilots Noris and Oscar Piatri. The fourth was Charles Lekler (« Ferrari »), but the top six were finished by both Mercedes riders George Russell and debutant Kimi Antonelli, who showed the fastest lap time.
The seventh was Lewis Hamilton (« Ferrari »), after his debutant Izak Hajar (RB), the ninth was Alexander Albon (« Williams »), but the last one was Oliver Burman (« Haas »). Compared to the start order, there was only one change in the top ten – Hamilton finished in front of Hajjar.
In the overall standings, the leader is Noris with 62 points, Verstapen is less points, with 49 points, Russell scored 45 points and Antonelli 30 points.
McLaren ranks first in the Constructors Cup with 111 points, Mercedes scored 75 points and Red Bull 61 points.
This season’s F-1 Championship will host 24 rounds.
Last season, Max Verstapen, a Netherlands, became the champion for the fourth time in a row, but McLaren celebrated victory in the Constructor Cup.
