Three things we learnt as Max Verstappen cruises to Japan GP win

Lando Norris was unable to capitalise on his fantastic qualifying, finishing fifth, while it was another difficult day for Mercedes with George Russell and Sir Lewis Hamilton crossing the line seventh and ninth.

It was hardly a classic race, but there were some thrilling overtaking moves and notable incidents. Here’s three things we learned from the Japanese Grand Prix:

Verstappen and Red Bull’s reign resumes

Following his retirement in Australia, there was hope that maybe, just maybe fans weren’t going to endure another year of Max Verstappen domination.

Just four races in however, that prospect now seems highly unlikely, with the fan favourite Aussie enduring an awful, point-less start to 2024 which only got worse in Suzuka.

The RB driver’s race was over after just 30 seconds after he moved across track not realising Alex Albon was alongside, colliding with the Williams and causing a big shunt.

The red flag was deployed and the race stopped for half-an-hour to clear the cars and repair the barriers, but while thankfully both drivers were unhurt, Ricciardo’s ego won’t have escaped unscathed.

This was meant to be the 34-year-old’s redemption year which would culminate with a return to the front of the grid with Red Bull, but sloppy mistakes and the brilliant performances of teammate Yuki Tsunoda – who finished in the points at his home race – are scuppering all of that.

Ahead of the weekend, there were rumours that Ricciardo had three races to up his game or he would be replaced by the highly-rated Liam Lawson – if China and Miami don’t go his way he may have to wave goodbye to F1 for good.

Hamilton and Mercedes flatter to deceive yet again

Things were looking up for Sir Lewis Hamilton after he declared Friday’s practice run his ‘best session’ of the season so far, with the seven-time champion much more comfortable with his Mercedes W15.

But an underwhelming qualifying meant he started seventh on the gird and as the race wore on it became apparent that the earlier pace was just a false dawn, as he trundled home to finish a dismal ninth.

During the grand prix, the 39-year-old was left infuriated with his team’s tactics, calling on them to ‘change this strategy’ as he struggled for pace and tyre wear.

More to follow…

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