Japanese Grand Prix Preview

Red Bull will look to return to winning ways at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend after their unbeaten run came to an emphatic end in Singapore.

Carlos Sainz’s brilliant performance made him the first non-Red Bull driver to win in 2023. However, the Spaniard has his work cut out at the high-speed Suzuka circuit as Red Bull are favourites to win.

The Track

Suzuka is a favourite among drivers who enjoy the high-speed layout. The 5.807km long track has 18 turns and features iconic names like the ‘S’ Curves, Degners, and 130R. Suzuka also features a unique crossover layout that drivers will experience from Turn 9 to Turn 10.

The track is very technical and takes its toll on the drivers and can cause degradation to the tyres. The teams will use the hardest tyre compounds at Suzuka and have some prototype medium compound tyres to test in Friday’s practice.

The setup for this weekend’s race is high downforce to make the most of the fast sections. The longest flat-out distance is 994 metres and the top speed is around 330km/h.

The drivers will be at full throttle for 66% of the 53 laps. However, tyre management may come into the mix as the high temperatures and grueling circuit play havoc with the softer compounds.
Last year the race started under a torrential downpour and was red-flagged on lap two.

Only twenty-eight laps were completed and Verstappen finished ahead of Charles Leclerc and Sainz. The weather forecast predicts slight showers on Friday. The rest of the weekend will see hot temperatures and will affect tyre wear. 

Normal Service Will Resume

Ferrari’s win at Singapore last weekend came as a surprise to many, because of their inconsistent form at high downforce tracks.

Sainz will carry the confidence-boosting win into the Japanese GP, but we reckon Verstappen will find his mojo again. The Dutch driver is our favourite to win the race, followed by Sainz and Leclerc on the podium.

Mercedes has a shout too at Suzuka and will hope to use the W14’s high speed to trouble the front-runners. Sergio Perez continues to struggle for Red Bull and it has been a trying season for the Mexican. We see him grabbing the fastest lap and bagging a top-six place.

Look out for AlphaTauri duo Yuki Tsunoda (in his home race) and Liam Lawson. The latter scored his first points in Singapore and has shown great promise as he deputises for Daniel Ricciardo.

We’re betting on a Safety Car to come out and anticipate at least one driver not to finish the race.