F1 GP Japan: Aston Martin picks up the pace

As in the previous year, Suzuka followed the defeat of Red Bull And as in 2023, the kingdom returned to its special way. However, the lead over the first chaser Ferrari was smaller than last year. On lap five instead of seven of ten, over a distance of 21 instead of 44 seconds. With better starting positions, Ferrari would be closer.

McLaren benefited from fast corners. However, the Ferrari was too fast. But for Mercedes, McLaren was out of reach. Mercedes was in the best form in Suzuka, but now they have to look back. A major improvement has made Aston Martin right. At least with Fernando Alonso in the cockpit.

In Formula 1B, Toro Rosso has confirmed its leadership role, but still feels the hot breath of Haas. Despite a snail’s pace, Nico Hülkenberg was only 5.5 seconds behind. Williams drivers have to take big risks to keep going. This causes many accidents. For Sauber and Alpine, points remain an elusive goal.

1. Red Bull

Red Bull bounced back from their defeat in Melbourne and reminded everyone who is the home team with their third double win. However, Suzuka is a special track for Red Bull, and the defending champion entered the race with his first improvement. However, you can’t afford to make any mistakes against Ferrari.

2. Ferrari

Ferrari continues to believe in its core package. This is better on Sunday than on Saturday. Last year it was the opposite. The second winner of the World Championship is now so strong that he takes third and fourth place in the race from starting positions 4 and 8. Ferrari didn’t just beat McLaren with a better strategy. The red cars were the fastest in the race planning.

3. McLaren

Suzuka was already one of McLaren’s best tracks last year. In the fast corners they have caught Red Bull. But like last year, Norris and Piastri lost time at the hairpin and chicane. Despite good starting positions, it was not enough for Ferrari. The gap to Red Bull has been halved compared to 2023.

4. Mercedes

Mercedes continues to struggle with balance problems. Now between the data determined on the track and the lap times, or the feelings of the drivers. The measured minimum power does not reach there. At least the new setup philosophy ensured that the car performed more consistently over the three days. The rear tires now stay inside the warm window.

5. Aston Martin

Aston Martin introduced its first upgrade. Advances in cycle times exist, but cannot yet be accurately quantified. Green cars showed improved tire wear. Alonso left the McLaren and two Mercedes behind him. In qualifying and in the race.

6. Red Bull

Toro Rosso has established itself at the top of the second half of the table. Tsunoda confirmed this with a World Cup point. It was not given, but it fought against Stroll on the track. An upgrade to the undercarriage improved the car in slower corners and should prove more efficient in Shanghai than in Suzuka.

Haas doesn’t miss much about Toro Rosso. Especially in the race. A bad start and a late second stop cost Hülkenberg a potential move. Magnussen’s one-step strategy didn’t quite work out, but the fact that Haas were able to make it work shows how much they’ve improved in terms of tire wear.

8. Williams

The account of Williams’ accident continues to grow. Sargeant in training, Albon in the race. The team is slowly running out of spare parts. And Williams also has to compete in Shanghai with only two chassis. The speed is not quite enough for Toro Rosso and Haas. Compared to last year, Williams improved by 0.8 seconds in Suzuka.

9. Sauber

Sauber has jumped higher than Aston Martin compared to 2023. The qualifying time was 1.456 seconds below last year’s value. It was enough for Bottas to make it through Q2 and move him closer to the World Cup points at times. Little space was lost at the second pit stop when five cars came in to change tires at the same time and Sauber was the slowest.

10. Alpine

The Q2 is Alpine’s new flagship. As he did in Melbourne, Ocon did. However, minor aero improvements and three kilos of weight reduction weren’t enough to leave us in last place. Alpines were quite good in fast corners. A lot of time was wasted because of bad tension.