Japan: Flashback 2018 and Winner Predictions
The Suzuka circuit is probably one of the best tracks on the calendar. It's surely for this reason that the races there are lively every year.
2018 in a nutshell: a new triumph for Lewis Hamilton and Vettel’s blunder.
Mercedes had a very prolific Grand Prix Saturday. The German team capitalized on the Scuderia’s mistakes to take the first two places on the grid. Indeed, Ferrari tripped over its own feet by sending out its drivers too late. A positive qualifying session also for our French drivers, with Romain Grosjean, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon in 5th, 7th, and 8th places respectively.
Despite very disappointing qualifications, Sebastian Vettel has not lost hope for the race, especially as he knows his championship is hanging by a thread. Overtaking two cars right from the start, he takes advantage of the collision between Verstappen and Räikkönen at the last chicane to finish this first lap in fourth place.
Occurred on the third lap after the accident of Kevin Magnussen and Charles Leclerc, the Safety Car was withdrawn on the 7th lap, thus restarting the race and a slightly overcharged Vettel. The Ferrari driver attempts a very daring overtake on the inside of Spoon on Verstappen, but this maneuver results in a collision with the Red Bull driver.
This is followed by a relatively calm race, although spiced up by some battles in the midfield. Lewis Hamilton wins the race after leading every lap. Valtteri Bottas finishes second to complete a well-executed Mercedes one-two. Big performance by Daniel Ricciardo, who started 15th and finishes on the podium.
In the championship, Hamilton now has a 67-point lead over Sebastian Vettel. Mercedes is pulling ahead in the standings with 538 points compared to Ferrari’s 460.
Editorial Prediction:
Apart from a few irrepressible optimists, Lewis Hamilton is seen as the favorite for pole position. For the race, once again the five-time British world champion is seen as the big winner. Nevertheless, be careful not to underestimate Max Verstappen, who will have all the support from Honda this weekend.
