Following the Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s exit from a post-race interview grabbed headlines as he chose to step away when questioned about potential jealousy towards Ferrari’s strong performance.
Despite starting seventh, Hamilton found himself in a strategic battle with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari on a similar trajectory.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s victory in Japan marked a significant turnaround after what he referred to as a “hiccup” in Australia. This win not only secured his spot in the record books alongside legends like Michael Schumacher but also signified a return to form for the reigning world champion.
Sergio Perez, while achieving his first podium at Suzuka, lamented balance issues that hampered his performance during the race. Despite starting second and finishing behind his teammate Verstappen in another Red Bull one-two finish, Perez felt the consequences of struggling with the car’s balance.
Daniel Ricciardo reflected on his collision with Alex Albon during the race, describing feeling “gobbled up” and acknowledging his awareness of Albon’s position. The incident, which resulted in a red flag and significant repairs, was deemed a racing incident with both drivers sharing responsibility.
Alex Albon, innocent in the collision with Ricciardo, expressed concern for the impact of yet another accident on the Williams team. His thoughts immediately turned to the team’s fortunes following the incident, highlighting the challenges faced by both drivers and teams in Formula 1.
George Russell discussed his late-race battle with Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri, noting Alonso’s tactical maneuver to support Piastri’s defense against Russell’s Mercedes. Despite the pressure, Russell expected such tactics from a seasoned competitor like Alonso, underscoring the strategic complexities of Formula 1 racing.
