Japanese GP “the most tyre management” Russell has faced in F1

All drivers were obliged to use full wet tyres for the restart after the red flag, although it was apparent as they ran behind the safety car that intermediates were soon going to be an option.
Only Nicholas Latifi and Sebastian Vettel opted to do so right away as the green flag flew, and then Lando Norris and Valtteri Bottas followed suit at the end of the first flying lap.
It soon became …Keep reading

How latest changes are helping charge Aston Martin’s F1 fight back

As part of this continued push, a revised beam wing layout was on the menu for the Japanese Grand Prix, with the team looking to customise its configuration for the demands of the Suzuka layout.
This is a subtle change, especially when we consider the scale of the update unveiled in Singapore, but deemed essential nonetheless.
Sebastian Vettel, aided by the influx of parts, was able to make …Keep reading

Hamilton “had a blast” in Suzuka F1 wet race, Ocon battle “the most fun”

Hamilton spent much of the race chasing the Frenchman, attempting a number of moves at the Hairpin, the exit of Spoon, and into the first corner – but couldn’t find a way through and eventually crossed the line just 0.641s behind in sixth.
The seven-time world champion knew before the race that a straight-line speed disadvantage would be a handicap in the race, while the wet conditions meant …Keep reading

Horner: Verstappen on “another planet” throughout 2022’s F1 season

Verstappen clinched the 2022 title with a dominant victory in Suzuka last weekend, with four races still to go.
There was some confusion after the flag about whether or not full points would be awarded despite the shortened race distance, but unlike the Abu Dhabi finale last year, the success was not clouded by controversy.
It was the sixth drivers’ title for the team after Sebastian Vettel …Keep reading

Ricciardo wishes F1 could be more flexible with start times

Despite growing rainfall in the lead-up to lights out at Suzuka, the race started as scheduled at 2pm local time, only for it to be red flagged after two laps due to the conditions.
A two-hour wait followed before the race resumed with 40 minutes left on the three-hour time limit, giving enough time for 28 laps of the 53-lap distance to be completed.
Full points were still awarded for the …Keep reading