By Joe Murphy
Max Verstappen has yet another chance to become a back to back World Champion and, let’s be honest for a moment, he has a serious chance of doing so. All eyes will be focused at the front of the grid as the Dutchman has the chance to make history. However, there is much else to discuss up and down the grid. So, it’s lights out and away we go!
Max Verstappen – Champion of the World… Again
Unlike his 2021 title win which is somehow still under review nearly a year later, Max Verstappen has the chance to seal the championship in Japan and I think he will do so. It is common knowledge that Charles Leclerc can still delay the celebrations further, but I believe he will fall short in his attempts to do so. Until last week, Verstappen had been truly dominant but Singapore proved rather more difficult for the Dutchman. However, you can expect him to get back to winning ways in the land of the rising sun and then, perhaps with the assistance of Checo, win the championship aswell. This time, in rather less dramatic and controversial circumstances.
Russell to Run Well
It was an anomaly of a race last time out in Marina Bay as George Russell qualified poorly, raced poorly (aided by the penalty and pit lane start) and was never even in serious contention for points, let alone a P5 finish. We have become used to George finishing in the top 5 this season, but it didn’t even look plausible at any moment last weekend. However, at Suzuka and away from a street circuit, expect George to put his Mercedes right back up there at the front of the grid. Whilst Max might sail away up front, George could very well be in the mix with the Ferrari pair come Sunday’s race. Moreover, should Leclerc and Verstappen come together in a desperate lunge from the man from Monaco, perhaps something reminiscent of Senna and Prost’s tangle around 30 years ago, then it could be the Brit who takes full advantage to claim his first win in the sport. As we saw in Practice 2, the pace is certainly there in certain conditions.
Unsung hero Norris to continue strong streak…
Lando Norris has been outstanding over recent weeks. The problem he has had is that we have come to expect nothing less from the frightening young McLaren driver. The Brit has been outclassing teammate Daniel Ricciardo and, although the Australian has had his struggles in that car, this is by no means a small feat. He may not currently be stealing the headlines, but his moment will definitely come if his performances continue to impress in this manner. Like with the aforementioned George Russell, it wouldn’t be a major shock if Norris is on the fringes of a podium when I’m making my breakfast Sunday morning.
What about Alpine?
After topping the first practice session of the weekend, the French outfit could also be on for a strong showing this weekend as the sport heads to far East Asia. Last week saw arguably one of the team’s most disappointing races since its rebrand and certainly their worst of the season so far. With gremlins behind them and a track with more overtaking opportunities awaiting, Fernando could yet get his 99th F1 podium this year. With a little bit of luck and strong strategy, there is certainly a chance. For Estaban, it’s more likely he will cross the finish line around eighth as Alpine look to finish the season strongly in these closing stages.
Are Alfa Romeo still on the grid?
You could be forgiven for forgetting that Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas have been racing in F1 since the summer break. The team haven’t really done anything of note for a while now, arguably since the Chinese drivers horror crash at Silverstone. After an incredible start which saw the Finn especially achieve the beat results the constructor had ever seen, their season has kind of watered down since. With signs pointing to the fact that they may be less competitive next season, the team will want to score when they can. Back Bottas to score ninth this weekend, perhaps having to work his way up from a Q1 elimination.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 