Standings after Japan: Verstappen solidifies his first place, Ferrari drivers fighting for position
With his new victory, with the fastest lap point, Max Verstappen is back on track. Behind, Sergio Perez continues to chase him and the Ferrari drivers are very close.
It is becoming almost a habit. After each Grand Prix, the probability that Max Verstappen increases his lead in the championship is very high. And for this race in Japan, we cannot escape this scenario. The Dutchman once again emerged victorious at Suzuka, ahead of his teammate. A result that allows him to take a 13-point lead over the Mexican in four races and with one race less on the clock than the other Red Bull.
Behind, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are fighting for the provisional third place. With his podium, the Spaniard is catching up with his teammate. The Monegasque still retains the advantage of four points (55 against 59).
A little further on, the Mercedes struggle to get out of the bottom of the top 10. Lewis Hamilton, ninth, has only 10 points, 14 less than George Russell, one place ahead.
At the constructors’ level, Red Bull is still leading ahead of Ferrari, which remains within reach. McLaren is a little further back with a 51-point gap behind the Italian team. Aston Martin and Mercedes are only separated by one point (34 against 35).
Les classements après Suzuka, GP 4/24
Max Verstappen et Sergio Perez reprennent la tête, malgré un Grand Prix en moins pour Verstappen, ayant abandonné en Australie. #japaneseGP #F12024 pic.twitter.com/r0JH7UABhW
— Motors Inside F1 (@MotorsInside) April 7, 2024