Japan: The Hits and Misses from the Editorial Team

The top 3

Lewis Hamilton, obviously

In another dimension. The fastest in the three free sessions, already ahead of the pack on Saturday with the pole, the Briton made no mistakes on Sunday by leading the race from start to finish, despite a few engine cuts. A new weekend where the Mercedes leader maximized his performance while taking advantage of the setbacks of others. His victory extends his incredible streak: six wins in the last seven races, and 100 points collected out of 100 in the last four. In general terms, his 50th victory with Mercedes places him in an almost unrivaled rank: a staggering figure as only Michael Schumacher did better with Ferrari. The driver-car duo’s symbiosis is unmatched in the paddock. A performance that even moved the main person concerned at the end of Saturday’s qualifications, spending long minutes contemplating his machine.

In any case, Lewis Hamilton’s composure is astounding. With a 67-point lead and four races to go, the question is no longer if he will be champion but rather when? First match point for a fifth title in Austin in two weeks.

Max Verstappen, the Japanese regular

The new Red Bull leader loves Suzuka, with a third podium in as many editions. But to secure his third place, Verstappen once again made headlines and did not make friends among the Tifosi. His defense on Räikkönen was excessive, and his return to the track overly aggressive. However, there was nothing to blame for his collision with Vettel. Despite a less powerful Renault engine, Verstappen could have challenged Bottas if his race had been more prudent. An honorable mention goes to Daniel Ricciardo, who made a smooth climb from P15. The Red Bull team was the second force at this Japanese Grand Prix, ahead of Ferrari. Winning under normal circumstances will still be a difficult objective for the Milton Keynes team by the end of the season. The best chance will be in Mexico in three weeks.

&ltscript async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″> Sergio Pérez, new leader of the others?

The Mexican takes seventh place in the drivers’ standings… thanks to his seventh place at Suzuka. A position decided 12 laps before the end by overtaking Grosjean. Checo turned around a mediocre qualifying with a strong race effort, getting rid of the two Toro Rossos and, therefore, the Frenchman’s Haas. With 53 points, he is now level with Hülkenberg and Magnussen. Will he be the champion of the others? Sergio Pérez’s consistency will make him the spearhead of the Racing Point team in 2019, while waiting for the development of Lance Stroll.

SOUND ON 🎧

You’re having a nice private duel ⚔️

And then someone gatecrashes 👀#JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 #F1 pic.twitter.com/U5XDKyq4KN

— Formula 1 (@F1) 7 octobre 2018

Vettel, the mistake that’s too much

The cracks are deep. The Ferrari driver produced another chaotic weekend, getting mixed up with his team during Saturday’s qualifications, but especially on Sunday, with an overambitious overtake on Verstappen at the start of the race after the Safety Car period. Although he climbed back to fourth, the German rushed and didn’t wait for the DRS. Did he realize the competitor he was up against? This collision in Spoon Curve will likely condemn him for good in the title race. Hardworking as he is, Vettel seems so nervous under pressure in such a context. Never had the former Red Bull driver made so many mistakes in a season since 2010… Back then, Vettel came through, which seems unimaginable this year. It’s a shame because his overtaking of Grosjean on the first lap was dazzling. His credit as a four-time world champion is dwindling. It will diminish even more when Hamilton secures the crown, in two weeks, or maybe a bit longer.

McLaren, at the back of the class

One of the worst weekends of the new tumultuous season for the Woking team. Both cars eliminated in Q1, and a fourteenth place as the best result. Only Williams seemed inferior this weekend. According to opinions, the MCL33 has not progressed in a year! And between an Alonso now focused on his adventure outside F1 and a Vandoorne shown the door for 2019, the end of the season feels very long. Both drivers admitted: they want to change scenery quickly. They will still need strength to fend off the comeback of Racing Point Force India, only 15 points away.

Magnussen, an aggression still in question

Will a tragedy be necessary to calm the Haas driver? Under pressure from Charles Leclerc during the race, K-Mag swerved on the straight, changing direction at the last moment, to defend against the Sauber driver’s overtaking. A defense beyond limits, which cost him a puncture and retirement. But for Magnussen, the fault wouldn’t be his, a theory even supported by the race direction, which didn’t sanction him. Nevertheless, these incidents with other drivers are recurring, clearly indicating a problem exists. The Danish driver’s second half of the season has been inconsistent, while Romain Grosjean, finishing eighth in the race, is truly getting back on track. Fortunately for Magnussen, he will be back in 2019, as his contract has already been signed.

“Magnussen is and always will be stupid” @Charles_Leclerc did not mince his words after clashing with K-Mag#JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 #F1 pic.twitter.com/YOomZEQXnm

— Formula 1 (@F1) 7 octobre 2018