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Japanese GP Results: Max Verstappen Wins At Iconic Suzuka Circuit
The results of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka circuit. Completing the podium were his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who crossed the line in second and third position, respectively.
Lap 1: Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo had contact at Turn 3 which sent them into the barriers putting a red flag on the session. From various angles of on board footage, it looks as though the collision was a Lap 1 racing incident, however, the Stewards will be investigating the crash after the race. Thankfully both drivers were able to get out of the cars quickly and walk away.
Lap 3: The race re-start was drama-free with Max Verstappen maintaining his lead.
Lap 4: Esteban Ocon could be heard on the team radio claiming his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly hit him, however, it is unclear as to whether either car has suffered from damage.
Lap 9: Verstappen maintains his lead, followed closely by Perez who is 2 seconds behind and Norris, while Sainz claims Norris is "struggling". Alonso charges in fifth on soft tyres with Piastri and Leclerc in pursuit, and the Mercedes' in eighth and ninth on hard tyres.
Lap 10: George Russell reports vibration in his steering, although the Mercedes team report that everything looks okay from their side. Verstappen also reported to his Red Bull team that understeer he had experienced early on has now become oversteer.
Lap 14: Zhou Guanyu is forced to retire from the race after encountering gearbox issues. He manages to retire in the pits, avoiding a safety car.
Lap 21: Lewis Hamilton came over the team radio saying, "Change this strategy!"
Both Hamilton and Russell opted for hard tyres at the race re-start and Hamilton has reported that the tyres are not lasting.
Lap 24: Both Mercedes drivers have now pitted for new hard tyres.
Lap 33: George Russell reports issues with turbulence, he says: "Yeah lots of turbulence down this back straight, my helmet is flying off my head."
Lap 42: Logan Sargeant runs of at Degner 2, avoiding contact with the barrier putting a brief yellow flag on the session. The American driver manages to get back out on track meaning there was no safety car needed. Not what Williams needed today after Albon's crash on Lap 1.
Lap 50: Russell went down the inside of the final chicane alongside Oscar Piastri, who look to make slight contact. Piastri runs off the track. The Stewards have noted the incident for Russell potentially forcing the McLaren driver off.
2024 Japanese Grand Prix Results
1. Max Verstappen - Fastest Lap
2. Sergio Perez
3. Carlos Sainz
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Lando Norris
6. Fernando Alonso
7. George Russell
8. Oscar Piastri
9. Lewis Hamilton
10. Yuki Tsunoda
11. Nico Hulkenberg
12. Lance Stroll
13. Kevin Magnussen
14. Valtteri Bottas
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Pierre Gasly
17. Logan Sargeant
18. Zhou Gunayu - DNF
19. Daniel Ricciardo - DNF
20. Alex Albon - DNF