Max Verstappen moved closer to a Formula One drivers’ championship on Sunday, winning the Japanese Grand Prix following a thrilling first lap.
Verstappen won his 13th race of the season after starting from pole position. He also won Red Bull’s sixth constructors’ championship, the team’s sixth overall and its second in a row.
Verstappen received a point for running the quickest lap in last week’s race in Singapore, where he finished fourth. He was asked if he had any of the same problems in Japan as he had in Singapore. He stated that the problems “didn’t happen for us.”
He pushed back against those who questioned whether the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) technical directive on bodywork and the changes made to his vehicle were a result of last week’s poor performance.
“Honestly, we had a bad weekend,” he admitted, according to ESPN. “Then people start blaming it on the technical directive, but I think they should go suck on an egg.” I was simply really excited to have a nice weekend here and make sure we were strong.”
He now leads Sergio Perez by 177 points and may win the championship when the circuit visits Qatar on Oct. 6-8.
“What an incredible season we’ve had,” Verstappen added. “You should all be very proud of yourselves, both here at the track and back at the factory.” Well done, you guys produced a rocket ship of an automobile.”
On the opening lap, he had to hold off Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, but he maintained his lead.
“Luckily, nothing happened,” Verstappen stated. “It got quite close, but that’s racing; that’s how it starts.” And then you had a terrific battle into Turn 1 and Turn 2, and I was fortunate to have a touch more grip in Turn 2.”
Norris and Piastri finished second and third, respectively, behind Verstappen.
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