F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Red Bull crowned 2023 Constructors' Champions with Max Verstappen's victory at Suzuka

With his dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen helped Red Bull to take control of the Formula 1 constructors' championship this season. Despite an early challenge from both McLarens, the Dutchman maintained his lead through Turn 2 and proved Lando Norris' prerace forecast that Woking would have no chance of catching up to him if he went ahead. After the first few laps of the 53-lap race at Suzuka, Verstappen pulled away and finished 19.3 seconds ahead of Norris. The title leader had to defend his lead into the first turn from fellow front-row starter Oscar Piastri, but that was the only time they came close to touching. Norris subsequently moved his car to the outside, but he didn't have enough traction going into the second corner to regain the lead. Nevertheless, he was able to push Piastri out of second place. 

After a lap-1 safety car had been deployed to clear debris following a collision between Valtteri Bottas and Alex Albon, the British driver tried to push Verstappen on the subsequent restart.

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F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Suzuka Race Result

Piastri finished third to complete a McLaren podium finish with Norris taking second. Piastri had initially undercut Norris after the first round of pit stops due to a brief virtual safety car, but the Australian's race pace was a bit slower than his team-mates.

Fourth place went to Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, while Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes overcame Carlos Sainz of the second Ferrari to finish fifth. After trying and failing to make a one-stop strategy work, George Russell finished seventh. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin finished in eighth place, ahead of the two Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez had a horrific race and had to retire twice.

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F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri Secures his Maiden F1 Podium

Oscar Piastri finally made his Formula 1 debut in 2023, driving for McLaren. Piastri had a slow start to the season for the Woking squad, as they struggled to earn points. With the Australian driver claiming his first podium finish of the season, the British team has shown steady improvement all year. Piastri was overjoyed to finish third at the Japanese GP.

The Australian driver was ecstatic about his third-place finish, which was his best ever in Formula 1. In light of the momentous occasion, Piastri expressed gratitude to his team and supporters. The 22-year-old said he hopes to carry this sensation with him forever. Oscar Piastri has expressed gratitude to McLaren for allowing him to make his debut with the squad this season.