Verstappen wins 13th of the season at Suzuka

Suzuka

Sunday, 24 September, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Max Verstappen led Red Bull to a 6th constructors championship in a row with a dominant victory at an actioned package Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on Sunday. 

Verstappen held on to a narrow lead to force McLaren's paur Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri into the second spot by 19 seconds. 

Verstappen's 26 points mean that Red Bull can no longer be caught by Mercedes and Ferrari and are the first team to wrap up the Constructors' Championship with six races remaining.

"You have built a rocket ship of a car," he told his team over the radio after crossing the line.

Nearest challengers Mercedes were unable to stay in contention, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth and George Russell placing seventh.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fourth, while teammate Carlos Sainz was sixth.

Verstappen was back to his breathtaking best after a disappointing fifth-place finish at last week's Singapore Grand Prix.

"Unbelievable weekend, to win here is great," said Verstappen.

"The car was working very well on every compound but the most important thing was to win the constructors.

"We are having an incredible year and I'm very proud of everyone."

Australian Piastri took his first podium finish behind teammate Norris.

"It feels pretty special, definitely - I will remember it for a very long time," said the 22-year-old.

"I can't thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity.

"It wasn't my best race ever but it was enough to get a trophy at the end."

The safety car came out after a chaotic first lap, with Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu taking damage at the start of the race.

Perez got into trouble when he picked up a five-second penalty for a safety car infringement.

The Mexican retired from the race a few laps later, telling his team "the car doesn't feel right".

He later came back out, ensuring that he would not have to serve his time penalty at the next race.

Hamilton bounced back from a disappointing result at last weeks Singapore Grand Prix where he finished 5th.