Race – Hamilton wins an exceptional GP (1)

Lewis Hamilton secures his 4th victory of the season after an exceptional Grand Prix under disastrous conditions… Kovalainen held off Räikkönen, they are in 2nd and 3rd position.

The start hasn’t even begun yet when the FIA decides not to have a classic start, but to start under the safety car regime. The weather conditions are indeed dreadful. It has rained a lot at Mount Fuji, and the fog is very present. The drivers can hardly see anything when stopped, and with the rain, they can’t see anything at all while driving. [Results]

It is Hamilton, therefore, who will give the green light for the safety car to pull aside when he deems that the race can truly begin under good conditions.

The warm-up lap launched, the 22 drivers set off. The race conditions are confirmed, the drivers can’t even see the car in front of them. After several laps behind the safety car, at a very reduced speed, Massa comes into the pits. He spun out in the rain and seems to be in trouble.

The Brazilian had opted for intermediate tires, thinking that conditions would improve once on track, but the opposite happens and the rain continues to flood the race. The drivers’ championship is even more revitalized as a few laps later it’s his teammate’s turn to pit and change tires.

Heidfeld, who is in a rain configuration, is already on the podium while Button finds himself in 4th place. But after 10 laps, the drivers are starting to get impatient and do not want to race in these conditions.

After 40 minutes of racing under the safety car, the actual start is finally underway. Hamilton manages his rolling start well and maintains first place, but behind him, it’s chaos… Heidfeld makes a mistake and hits Button, causing both to lose positions and even a front wing for the Honda driver, while at the back of the pack, Wurz spins out at the braking zone of the long straight and collides with Massa, who was running 20th… The Williams driver retires, but Massa gets away with it.

In the standings, the Renaults despite a configuration are 5th and 6th, even better, Vettel is 3rd in a Toro Rosso while Webber is 4th. Button pits to change his wing, like Sato. The change goes well, but for Sato, the fuel catches fire due to the high temperatures that quickly rise in a stationary car.

On the 27th lap, Sutil is 9th but is overtaken by Räikkönen who has started a strong comeback. He has already regained 10 places. Alonso also enters the pit on this lap. The amount of fuel on board suggests only one stop. Hamilton does the same a lap later. Meanwhile, Vettel is leading the Grand Prix in the Toro Rosso.

After an hour of racing and 35 laps to the finish, Vettel finally pits and it’s Webber who takes the lead of the GP. Kubica, in the same lap, evidently lighter and with less downforce, overtakes Kovalainen for 3rd place. He is much faster and catching up to Alonso.

On the 33rd lap, both McLarens spin out following collisions. They are heavier with fuel after their pit stops. Hamilton by Kubica during a very forced overtake. Alonso passes Vettel.

One lap later Alonso pits while Hamilton seems in trouble, and it’s the two Renaults leading the GP with a setup for dry conditions… but heavier on fuel and yet to make a pit stop. Read more of the summary