Japanese Grand Prix Recap: Verstappen dominates again; clinches constructors championship

After a Singapore Grand Prix that brought an end to Max Verstappen’s streak of 10 consecutive wins in Formula 1, setting an all-time record, it was back to business as usual for the famed Red Bull driver in the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Dutch driver, already with two World Championships under his belt, inched his way ever closer to securing that third title in as many years. However, while he didn’t secure that milestone this weekend, he did achieve something arguably far greater for Red Bull: The Constructors Championship.

Verstappen outdueled and outscored both Ferrari and Mercedes in the race at Suzuka, which is exactly what needed to happen to lock up the highest honor a Formula 1 team overall can achieve. While the feat showcases the sheer speed and talent that was showcased by the Red Bull cars and team this season, it also speaks volumes about the drivers.

This championship marks the sixth constructors championship for Red Bull. Upon Verstappen’s inevitable World Championship, it will account for Red Bull’s seventh drivers championship.

While Verstappen led most of the Japanese GP, his teammate, Perez, experienced a far opposite race. Perez experienced damage to his front wing causing his first pit stop of the day and then was involved in an accident with Kevin Magnussen, causing him to retire.

Among the other bright spots of the race were the McLarens. A team that’s consistently been in the hunt for podium finishes this season, their two drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, finished second and third respectively.

Piastri, who started second on the grid, brought a glimmer of hope that someone other than Verstappen would lead the race on the first lap when he launched much better than the Dutchman. However, Verstappen used his sheer driving ability to defend the position and begin building his usual gap. The gap got to be about 10 seconds before the first round of pit stops and 19 seconds at the finish.

In addition to Verstappen and the McLarens scoring points, both Ferrari, Alpine and Mercedes cars finished in scoring positions, with the lone outlier of those being Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin in ninth.

Next up on the Formula 1 calendar is the Qatar Grand Prix on October 8th. This race will more than likely be the race where Verstappen locks up his second driver’s championship. He will only need to finish sixth or better in the sprint race to lock this down, a feat that is in no way out of reach for him.

Additionally, Qatar is the race that Daniel Ricciardo is aiming to return for AlphaTauri after injuring his hand in an accident during practice for the Dutch GP. This comes as news recently broke that Ricciardo will race for AlphaTauri in 2024.

Ethan Ellis is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.