Track Torque: Hamilton makes magic at Suzuka again
The Formula 1 circus now travels across the ocean to the United States for the next race in Austin, Texas on October 21.
Lewis Hamilton looked lazy and laid-back as he stroked his way to victory in the Japanese Grand Prix last Sunday.
I watched it in Tel Aviv but it’s great to be back in the sunny south to share the excitement with all of you now.
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Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas made it a one-two for the Silver Arrows and a 50th win for Mercedes.
It was Hamilton’s 71st career victory and he now leads the championship by 67 points over Sebastian Vettel.
Vettel was unlucky, tangling with Max Verstappen, he only finished sixth.
Verstappen himself drove an aggressive race and beat both Ferraris, coming home on the podium in third position, despite having to overcome a time penalty for his collision with Vettel.
In fourth place was Daniel Ricciardo in the sister Red Bull after a very good drive from 15th position on the grid.
The two Ferraris were in line astern but only fifth and sixth, with Kimi Raikkonen ahead of Vettel.
Sergio Perez and teammate Esteban Ocon in the Force Indias, were seventh and ninth respectively, being separated by the Frenchman Romain Grosjean in his Haas Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz was in the last points scoring position coming home 10th in the works Renault.
It must be said that both Toro Rosso Honda’s performed much better here on Honda’s home track.
In qualifying, both cars were in the top 10 with Pierre Gasly in seventh, and in the race he finished 11th. A positive sign of more good things to come from Honda.
I believe that by the start of next season the Honda engine will be competitive enough to power Red Bull into contention with both Ferrari and Mercedes. Time will tell us the answer to that one.
Driver of the day was Daniel Ricciardo, but if it wasn’t for Verstappen’s collision with Vettel, I would have given it to him.
They are both very good drivers but I am sad that Ricciardo is leaving for Renault, as I think he would have done better to stay with Red Bull.
The Formula 1 circus now travels across the ocean to the United States for the next race in Austin, Texas on October 21.
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