Verstappen on top, McLaren a flop: These are the winners and losers from the Japanese Grand Prix

18:00, 06 Apr

byLudo van Denderen

The Grand Prix of Japan was not full of sensational moments, but there is still plenty to talk about from Suzuka. Here, GPblog lists all the winners and losers of the race at Suzuka.

Winner: Max Verstappen

In a car that is not the fastest in the field, Max Verstappen secured a convincing victory. Both in qualifying and in the Grand Prix, the Dutchman, in his flawed RB21, managed to keep both McLarens behind him. At a true driver's circuit, the four-time world champion showed that no one can count him out for the world title, even though he has inferior equipment at his disposal compared to the McLaren drivers.

Verstappen drove remarkably for his fourth consecutive Japanese GP victory

Loser: McLaren

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had the fastest cars in Japan, but both failed to beat Max Verstappen. Was there an opportunity for McLaren to win? Certainly, if the McLaren drivers had maximised their performance during Saturday's qualifying and played the numerical advantage well with the Grand Prix strategy. After three race weekends, Norris leads Verstappen by one point in the standings, a difference that could've been much greater due to the quality of their cars.

Winner: Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has etched himself into the record books in Suzuka. The Italian replaced Max Verstappen as the youngest leader of a Grand Prix ever. Of course, this was due to the late pit stop made by the Mercedes driver. However, the rookie showed to be a fast learner in Formula 1. Antonelli makes no silly mistakes and is already able to put on a solid race, staying in the wake of his more experienced teammate George Russell.

Antonelli impressed at Suzuka

Loser: Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda was eventually named Driver of the Day. That was a bit too much after finishing twelfth with a Red Bull that Max Verstappen drove to victory. Undoubtedly, Tsunoda expected more from his debut with the Austrian team. It must have been painful that Isack Hadjar in one of the Racing Bulls cars managed to finish in the points.

Winner: Alexander Albon

Having Carlos Sainz as a teammate propels Alexander Albon to great heights. Once again, the Thai driver outperformed his new teammate at Williams, proving that he has truly emerged as the leader of the British team. Albon has now collected eighteen points, while Sainz has a meagre one point. In Japan as well, Albon showcased his best performance.

Loser: Alpine

After a promising end to 2024, Alpine thought they could continue the upward trend this year. So far, they have been struggling, with Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan far from scoring points in Japan. Moreover, the huge crash Doohan had in the second free practice session also resulted in a significant financial loss. Overall, something needs to change quickly at the French team to avoid another underwhelming season like the previous one.