September 24, (THEWILL) – Max Verstappen dominated the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, as his Red Bull team secured the Constructors’ championship for the second consecutive year.
The Dutchman’s victory at Suzuka was his 13th from 16 races this campaign, leaving him on the cusp of a third drivers’ title. His teammate, Sergio Perez, failed to finish after colliding with Kevin Magnussen’s Haas.
Lando Norris claimed an impressive second place for McLaren, leading home teammate, Oscar Piastri, who achieved his first F1 podium. Their result cemented McLaren’s status as Red Bull’s closest challengers.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari, while Lewis Hamilton struggled home fifth in his bouncing Mercedes. Carlos Sainz, Singapore GP winner, took sixth.
With five rounds remaining, Verstappen holds a massive 177-point lead over Perez in the standings. He could seal the championship in next month’s Qatar GP, even on Saturday if it proves a sprint weekend.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
