SUZUKA!!
Suzuka, Japan – Round 3
Coming into Japan 3 teams revealed special liveries and team kits for the race weekend. Hass collaborated with Godzilla, VCARB had a sleek spring inspired design and Mercades sparked much debate online with their wolf styled kits.
After all FP’s Mercedes were still the ones to beat, looking to be the strongest team yet again. Oscar managed to top the charts in FP2, looking reborn and to be a protentional contender for the race. FP2 saw Gabi, Arvid and Checo all having reliability issues, Lando was also late to join the track after a hydraulic issue.
Saturday Quali day! Q1 had it’s regulars knocked out, Aston Martins Lance Stroll and new father Fernado Alonso along with Bottas and Perez in the Cadillacs. Bearman and Albon also exited in Q1 – only just being on the cusp of the Q2. 6 different teams were out in Q2, Hass, Audi, VCARB, Alpine, Williams and the unexpected knockout of Verstappen’s Redbull being beaten by the young rookie, Arvid. The front row was claimed by the Mercedes, Kimi taking his 2nd pole position. Piastri made the top 3, Leclerc following behind splitting the Mclarens with Lando in P5.
Race day! Lining up to the grid were all 22 cars, the first time all teams and drivers have started a Grand Prix this season. Claiming the lead after starting brilliantly off the line, Oscar leads the pack into turn 1. Antonelli tumbles down but the comeback starts now, taking 5th place from Lewis.
Pulled in to the pits from the lead, Oscar gets hard tyres and comes out 6th behind Verstappen – who has been working his way up, but ahead of Leclerc. The wolves of Mercades have clawed their way back to a 1-2 with Hamilton running in 3rd. Russell pits, coming out in front of Verstappen but the yellow flags are waving. Ollie Bearman was sent flying into the barriers after coming up behind Franco on Lap 22, Bearman trying to avoid action with the Alpine, took to the grass which made him spin off the track. The Hass driver was seen limping over to the marshals for help – An update from the Pit wall came at around lap 32 to report Ollie was ok.
This then brought out a safety car and opportunity rose for drivers who have not yet pitted. George spat down his radio angrily as his teammate pitted and returned to the lead.
It was reported that Mclaren faced power issues to their pit wall, resulting in not being able to access data for a short time.
With so much overtaking action, George slows down at one point allowing Charles to move into P3, Oscar in P2 and Kimi flying out in front.
And the winning of the Japanese grand prix by a 10 second + lead, winning his 2nd Grand Prix and now claiming the WDC leader title….KIMI ANTONELLI
Oscar finished his first race of the season with a podium, alongside Charles. Kimi is now the first ever teenager to lead a F1 WDC! On the podium Kimi was stood beside an unmarked bottle of ‘champagne’ as Kimi is under the legal age in Japan, the Italian had to celebrate with sparking rose water.
Onto the next! Can’t believe we have such a big break!
If theres anything you want me to write about in the break let me know! @pitlanepresss on instagram!
Driver deep dives, WAGS, anything!
With love, T x
