Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2024: Max Verstappen Dominates, Ferrari’s Early Move, Mercedes Struggles, and More

In a thrilling Japanese Grand Prix 2024, Max Verstappen and Red Bull once again showcased their dominance in Formula 1 as they secured a 1-2 finish with Sergio Perez taking the second spot. Verstappen’s victory, with a comfortable lead of over 12.5 seconds, solidified his position as the favorite for the Drivers’ Championship this season.

The race was not without its drama and strategic maneuvers, but the biggest talking points emerged from the performances of other teams on the grid. Ferrari’s decision to part ways with Carlos Sainz in favor of Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season raised eyebrows, especially considering Sainz’s strong start to the current season with two podium finishes and a race win.

Mercedes, on the other hand, continued to struggle despite talks of progress and changes to their car concept. Both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell faced challenges with an unstable car and lack of straight-line speed, highlighting the team’s ongoing issues this season.

McLaren also missed out on a podium finish at Suzuka, with Lando Norris finishing in P5 after a strong qualifying performance. The team will be hoping to capitalize on future opportunities to secure better results in the highly competitive midfield battle.

Aston Martin faced internal challenges as Fernando Alonso outperformed Lance Stroll once again, leading to frustrations within the team. Stroll’s dissatisfaction with the car setup hinted at potential trouble brewing within the Aston Martin garage.

Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles continued as he crashed out on the opening lap of the Japanese Grand Prix, adding to his disappointing start to the season. With teammate Yuki Tsunoda impressing on home soil, Ricciardo faces increasing pressure to turn his fortunes around before it’s too late.