Big In Japan

Big in Japan

SUZUKA, JAPAN, , Max VERSTAPPEN,

McLaren wowed in Japan with both their cars on the podium. However, neither Lando Norris nor Oscar Piastri could stop the dominant Max Verstappen, who is now in a position to potentially secure the 2023 drivers’ championship during the F1 Sprint at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s victory in Japan yesterday marked his 13th consecutive win when beginning a race from pole position, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s previous record. Verstappen set the fastest lap, which was 1.064 seconds faster than any other driver. Red Bull won their sixth constructor’s championship.

McLaren’s Lawson is on a winning streak, one that is poised to continue temporarily as Ricciardo’s recovery is set to extend until after the Qatar Grand Prix in early October, marking the fifth consecutive race he’ll miss.

Ricciardo’s return to the grid isn’t being hurried with his ongoing recovery phase. After seeing him in Singapore, the team is reluctant to set a specific return target, allowing Ricciardo to heal properly to avoid any complications.

Ricciardo is unlikely to take back his seat before the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in late October, by which time Lawson will have to give up the seat. However, there may not be a long wait for Lawson’s return, as one Formula 1 seat remains unconfirmed for the upcoming year.

Williams driver Logan Sargeant hasn’t secured his spot with the team, and Red Bull boss Christian Horner suggested that a loan deal could be an option to keep Lawson match-fit. Horner expressed confidence in Lawson’s talent and mentioned the possibility of finding him a seat if one becomes available.