F1 Japanese GP results: Verstappen waltzes to 13th win of 2023

punditfeed.com -- Sep 24

Max Verstappen is back to his winning ways. The two-time champion won the Japanese Grand Prix in dominant fashion, inching closer to his third consecutive title.

The Dutchman had a relatively uneventful race despite facing an early safety car restart. Lando Norris finished second, with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri completing the rostrum for his maiden F1 podium. Sergio Perez had a disastrous day, breaking two front wings in separate collisions. The Mexican had to retire, effectively ending his title chances.

Verstappen had a slightly slower getaway, and had to move to the inside in order to cover Piastri. The defensive maneuver allowed Norris to go for the lead around the outside. Verstappen managed to fend off the British driver, retaining the lead. Piastri dropped to third, behind his McLaren teammate.

In the middle of the pack, Sergio Perez squeezed Lewis Hamilton out down the main straight. The pair made contact, with the Mexican coming off worse and picking up some front wing damage. ...continue reading