The Japanese GP unfolded as anticipated: a quite uneventful race, with few overtakes and a reasonably linear tempo. The observe format, mixed with the issue of overtaking and the excessive sturdiness of the tyres, produced the everyday “trains” attribute of Suzuka.
The race began on a dry observe, with no menace of rain: all methods targeted on a one-stop method. Sixteen drivers selected mediums firstly, whereas 4 opted for hards or softs, together with Hamilton, who began on hards to learn from mediums within the ultimate stint.
Russell was the primary to pit on lap 19, in a (failed) try to undercut Charles Leclerc. Quickly after, Oscar Piastri stopped, adopted by practically the complete subject. The tyres held up properly, additionally due to new asphalt in some sections of the circuit. Antonelli, who began on mediums, delayed his cease by ten laps in comparison with the leaders, with Hamilton behind on hards however unable to match the Italian’s tempo. Hamilton pitted one lap earlier than Antonelli to change to mediums, making an attempt to capitalise on efficiency late within the race.
Additional again, Liam Lawson and Carlos Sainz additionally delayed their stops, switching to softs for the ultimate stint: a selection that didn’t repay. Methods turned out to be very related among the many drivers, with no main gambles.
Begin
Flat race, and an equally uneventful begin: all drivers obtained away properly, with solely Hulkenberg swapping positions with Sainz. Tsunoda was the quickest from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, whereas Bortoleto was the slowest at 3.3. Even from 0 to 200 km/h the gaps have been minimal, with solely three tenths separating the most effective and the worst.
Pit stops
Clear pit stops for everybody. McLaren confirmed itself because the quickest, however the lack of stress and surprises probably helped all groups keep away from errors. An attention-grabbing element issues McLaren and Crimson Bull: the Woking crew was the quickest within the pit lane, whereas Crimson Bull suffered a 1.2-second delay in stops. In a tightly contested race like at the moment’s, this might have value worthwhile positions. The “slowness” within the pits seems to be as a result of alternative of two common crew members.
So, although time variations in pit stops have been small, in sure conditions just some tenths could make the distinction.
Japan GP Response instances firstly and pit cease durations. Photograph: Filippo Pesavento
High pace
Though it’s a secondary metric, the highest pace evaluation reveals Ferrari (Leclerc) and Mercedes (Antonelli) among the many slowest, regardless of being the quickest in qualifying. Each spent many of the race with no slipstream, partly explaining the low speeds. Gabriel Bortoleto impressed with 343 km/h, probably achieved due to a powerful tow on the straight earlier than the ultimate nook.
Quickest lap
Kimi Antonelli set the quickest lap of the race with a 1:30.965, additionally establishing a brand new race lap report for the observe. A stable efficiency that confirms his spectacular growth. He was adopted by Oscar Piastri, who set his time whereas chasing Norris, and Verstappen, just some thousandths behind. Leclerc and Hamilton have been solely ninth and tenth, confirming the struggles of their respective automobiles.
A race with out main twists, however not with out factors of curiosity. The 2025 World Championship has thus far supplied little spectacle, however we’re solely three races in: the season is lengthy, and F1 historical past has proven that the whole lot can nonetheless change.
Japan GP High Velocity and Quickest Lap Evaluation. Photograph: Filippo Pesavento
Supply: f1ingenerale
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
