Japanese Grand Prix Analysis – By Joe Murphy
In a confusing end to the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was eventually crowned champion of the world for the second successive season. It is never transparent when it comes to the Dutchman, it seems. With much to discuss including the weather, the FIA and a small dose of Goat-ifi, let’s cut to the chase and dive straight in!
There’s no VER-Stopping the Dutch Lion!
Max Verstappen was belatedly confirmed at the 2022 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion, having crossed the line not knowing of his recently accomplished feat. The slightly controversial decision not to punish Max following his incident with Lando Norris was met by another few today, most famously the decision to penalise Charles Leclerc for running wide on the final corner and seemingly gaining an advantage. This sent the man from Monaco down to third below Sergio Perez which was enough mathematically for Verstappen’s lead to be unassailable. Not the way he would have wanted to win, but another victory, his twelfth of the season no less, establishes this particular season as one of the most dominant in recent memory. For Ferrari, it’s back to the drawing board to try an cement second in the constructors standings. The same can be said for Mercedes who, in truth, have had an eye on 2024 for some time now. For the back to back champ, he can enjoy his achievement for now, before we race all again in a fortnight’s time.
The FIA come under scrutiny… AGAIN!
One lap, then a 2 hour Red flag, before just a fraction of the race was completed. Furthermore, there was serious drama surrounding a tractor which we will come onto discuss. All this, plus the already covered Max Verstappen title win confusion summed up a day for the FIA they will want to forget. It should have been about Verstappen and his wonderful achievement. Instead, it will in a sense be overshadowed by other events. Much like a year ago in many aspects. It isn’t the first time we have seen questionable calls and it most likely won’t be the last either. A solution is needed to make sure decisions are clear and the reasons for making them are outlined and fair. The week preceeding the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix was dominated by the financial price cap controversy and whilst this most definitely needs investigating, it shouldn’t overshadow the action on track. Much like it has done in Formula 1’s most recent history.
Ocon holds off Hamilton for fourth…
With title wins crashes and Red flags, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that Estaban Ocon crossed the line in P4, his best finish of the season. To do so, he held his own against a fiery Lewis Hamilton for pretty much the entire race. With the Frenchman confirmed to race alongside compatriot Pierre Gasly from March next year, it could be the foundations of an extremely competitive team for Alpine. A P4 finish that also meant he edged his teammate Fernando Alonso by a few places, is something Ocon can build on for the remaining four races if the campaign and beyond.
Greatest driver of all time gets what could be his final points in the sport…
Yes, it was an emotional Grand Prix. One of the greatest drivers to ever grace the sport finished well into the points on what could be his final chance to do so. He isn’t racing in a hugely competitive car and points finishes such as this have been at a premium. However, he showcased his experience, craft and mastery to survive the conditions and bring his car home and gain some much needed valuable points for his team. Well done Nicholas Latifi. In other news, Sebastian Vettel also finished P6.
Pierre Gasly sees life flash before his eyes!
Lessons clearly not learnt from the death of Jules Bianchi as there was a near miss in Japan this past weekend. Pierre Gasly may have been going faster than he should have when returning to the pits for the Red Flag stoppage. However, it was clearly not communicated to him that a tractor was on the track at the same time as his car. With viability an obvious issue, why this was done before all cars were in the paddock is a mystery and certainly a decision that someone has to take account for. Just wait until all the cars are back in the pits before sending a recuvery vehicle onto the track. Surely it’s obvious. The FIA will have to stamp this kind of incident out as it has left a bitter taste in the mouths of multiple F1 personnel, including drivers such as Lando Norris and Sergio Perez, not to mention Gasly himself. Whereas we should be celebrating the incredible achievements of a certain Dutch driver, we somehow find ourselves talking about FIA decision making yet again.
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