Max Verstappen helped Red Bull win the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship and took a giant step towards his third consecutive drivers’ title by winning the Japanese Grand Prix this Sunday.

Championship leader Verstappen finished ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and could win the title at the Qatar Grand Prix next month.

The Dutchman has a lead of 177 points over his teammate and closest pursuer, Sergio Perez.

Verstappen’s victory helped Red Bull to a second consecutive constructors’ title, despite Perez leaving the race. “You built a rocket car,” Max told his team over the radio after crossing the finish line.

The closest opponents in the constructors’ race, Mercedes, could not stay in contention: Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and George Russell seventh.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fourth, while teammate Carlos Sainz was sixth.

Verstappen is back at his best after a disappointing fifth place during the Singapore Grand Prix last week. “Incredible weekend, winning here is great,” said Verstappen. “The car performed very well on all compounds, but the most important thing was to beat the constructors. We are having an incredible year and I am very proud of everyone,” said the world champion.

Verstappen avoided a double challenge from McLaren to take the lead at the first corner, ahead of Norris. First the Dutchman swerved to the right to avoid Piastri, who started second on the grid, before swinging to the left to prevent Norris from going through the gap.

“The start had a lot of slippage, but after that it was a fairly simple race,” said Verstappen.

Norris also finished second in Singapore and opined that McLaren “is getting there”. “My start was very good and I almost passed Max, but… Max is Max,” said the British driver. “We’re not close to him, but we’re not miles away either.”

Perez leaves

Australian rookie Piastri achieved his first podium behind teammate Norris. “It’s definitely a very special feeling, I’ll remember it for a 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 finally win a trophy.”

The safety car came in after a chaotic first lap, with Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu suffering damage early in the race.

Perez got into trouble when he was given a five-second penalty for a safety car violation. The Mexican left the race a few laps later, telling his team that “the car doesn’t feel right”. He returned later to ensure he did not have to serve his time penalty in the next race.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said Perez “took a bit of a blow” during the race.
“It wasn’t his day, but he will bounce back,” Horner said. “He has been a big part of that success as well.”

“It’s been the most incredible year for us,” Horner said. “Max is on another level at the moment, another incredible achievement.”