2023 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

Red Bull set for Suzuka celebration after Singapore Grand Prix shock.
Red Bull need score only a point more than Mercedes at Suzuka on Sunday (Sept 24) to retain their Formula One constructors' title and trigger celebrations after last weekend's Singapore shock.
Sep 21, 2023
Reuters
AsiaOne

After failing to win for the first time this season, and 15 victories in a row dating back to the end of last year, the champions look likely to be back to their dominant ways in Japan. Last year in a rain-shortened race Max Verstappen sealed his second championship with team mate Sergio Perez completing the one-two.

The runaway championship leader, now 151 points clear of Perez, must wait a while longer for his third title but Red Bull are set to complete their half of an inevitable double at a track owned by partners Honda. They currently have a 308 point advantage over Mercedes and 332 over Ferrari, with only 309 points -- including those from sprint races and fastest laps -- still to be won after Suzuka.

"I think we will be quick in Suzuka," Verstappen said last Sunday. "It should be good for our car. The track is always super-fun to drive so I hope as soon as we put the car on the track that it's in a good window."

‘Red Bull set for Suzuka celebration’;

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/re...hock#gsc.tab=0


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the build-up ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend
21 September 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

Build-up to the Japanese Grand Prix. Hello and welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun...

The F1 circus is back in Japan, at one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar. The fast and flowing Suzuka has hosted many epic battles over the years, but what does 2023 have to offer?

‘The build-up’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...EkvB7om5t.html


Lewis Hamilton at odds with Toto Wolff as Mercedes boss misses Japanese Grand Prix
Toto Wolff will not be supporting Lewis Hamilton in person at Suzuka.
06:28, Thu, Sep 21, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has insisted that Mercedes will not be looking to completely 'bin' their current W14 challenger at the end of the year. The 38-year-old's verdict is at odds with that of Toto Wolff, who will not be in attendance at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in order to undergo knee surgery.
Mercedes have made plenty of positive strides in recent months after ditching their unsuccessful 'zeropod' concept but remain some way adrift of Red Bull, who have been setting the pace virtually all year.

Despite this, Hamilton is not expecting the Silver Arrows to make an entirely fresh start in 2024, with the Brit insisting that his current car is still a 'masterpiece' regardless. "We won't ever bin this car, these cars are still masterpieces even if they aren't the fastest in the world," said the Brit in Thursday's press conference at Suzuka.

"There will be bits of it that we try to change, try to hold on to some of the positives. With the new direction we have it is far too early to say and be optimistic about next year's car, but I have full faith in the crew." It comes after Wolff suggested last weekend that Mercedes will completely ditch their W14 concept when the season draws to a close. The 51-year-old was adamant that while the current car is 'really fast', next year's W15 will be a huge step forward after many months of relentless work behind the scenes.

‘WOLFF: Completely ditch their W14 concept, VERSUS, HAMILTON: "We won't ever bin this car” ’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Prix-F1-news


Liam Lawson: Previous Suzuka experience 'should help' but Japanese GP will be 'a steep learning curve'
21 Sep 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Having raced at Suzuka in other racing categories, AlphaTauri driver Liam Lawson hopes his experience will help him in the 2023 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.

'A steep learning curve';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...665049395.html


Japanese GP organisers left red-faced after Ferrari BLUNDER
Thursday 21 September 2023 04:57
Cal Gaunt
GPFans

Officials at the Japanese Grand Prix recently addressed a funny oversight involving Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the lead-up to this weekend's race. The awareness of this issue arose only subsequent to the circulation of a viral photograph on Reddit, which prominently displayed the placement of Sainz's banner above both sides of the Ferrari garage.

Sainz has garnered considerable attention in recent weeks due to his noteworthy achievements, including securing pole position at Monza earlier this month and claiming a spectacular victory in last week's race in Singapore. His triumph at Marina Bay marked a significant milestone, as he became the only driver aside from the Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to clinch a race win in the 2023 season.

‘Sainz's banner above both sides of the Ferrari garage!!!’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rrari-blunder/

[Fortitude]

MAX IN SUZUKA: 'DON'T CARE WHEN I WIN THE TITLE'.
“I don’t mind if it’s on a Saturday or Sunday. I know it’s coming so I’m not thinking about it too much. Maybe it’s good to win it on a Saturday so we can go on a big night out. Maybe my reaction times won’t be as good on Sunday when the lights go out”, laughs Max.
Published on 21 September 2023
by Stefan Meens
Verstappen.nl

Although the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver won last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, and with it his second world title, Max will not be able to secure title number three just yet. He will have to wait until later in the season, which could lead to the championship being clinched during a Saturday sprint.

Despite a ten race winning streak coming to an end, Max remains cool about the situation. “We’ve stopped winning for one race, these things happen. Before we won ten in a row”, smiles Max. “Of course I wanted to win, but we knew there was going to be a day where we wouldn’t win and things go wrong. Unfortunately, Singapore was that weekend. But we’ll keep going and try again this weekend.”

'DON'T CARE WHEN I WIN THE TITLE';

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5246/


Red Bull have clear path to clinching Constructors’ Championship in Japan
Published Sep 20, 2023 at 11:38 AM ET
TSN

Red Bull have a clear path to clinching a second straight Constructors’ Championship at Formula One's Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. While the team saw its lead shrink amid struggles in Singapore, the title can be locked up with a return to form in Suzuka.

Red Bull will clinch the team championship if they outscore Mercedes by any margin and avoid being outscored by Ferrari by 24 points. The Constructors' title can be secured by @redbullracing in Suzuka ��#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/aZ32KY8V9n
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 20, 2023

‘Clinching Constructors’ Championship in Japan’;

https://www.tsn.ca/auto-racing/red-b...-tsn-1.2010046


Sergio Perez aiming to hit back at Japanese GP after Singapore disaster
Sergio Perez expects Red Bull to be back to form for the Japanese GP after a nightmare weekend in Singapore.
September 21, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Verstappen was easily passed by George Russell, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton under the lights at Marina Bay, and there was nothing the typically all-conquering driver-car package could do to stop them.

Despite theories circulating that the team has been hit by a Formula 1 technical directive aimed at stopping flexi-floors and flexi-wings, Perez has said that they expect to be back around Suzuka.

“Oh that’s definitely the target [winning],” Perez said to media ahead of the race at Suzuka. “We still don’t fully understand what went wrong in Singapore. We have some ideas. The track is very different, so there should not be a reason why we can’t be strong in Suzuka. Actually, this should be one of the best circuits for us.”

‘Red Bull to be back to form’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...pore-disaster/


Lewis Hamilton: “Something’s up” if Red Bull don’t win Japanese Grand Prix by 30 seconds
21 Sep 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton has predicted Red Bull to be “phenomenal” at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing race in Singapore. Looking ahead to this weekend’s race, Hamilton expects Red Bull to return to their pre-Singapore level of performance.

“I would think that if they’re not 30 seconds ahead like they have done in the past then something’s up… but no, it they had a difficult weekend at the last one but their car should be phenomenal here," he said.

“They have been phenomenal all year long with pace at pretty much every circuit and it is going to be great to watch that car in general.”

‘Lewis Hamilton has predicted Red Bull to be “phenomenal” ’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103610...-gp-30-seconds


Japanese GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures
21/09/2023 at 13:00
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Suzuka's heart-pounding track – one of F1's most appreciated venues, for drivers and fans alike – takes center stage this weekend as the championship moves on to round 16.

Check out our selection of pictures from Thursday's build-up to the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.

‘Thursday's build-up in pictures’;

https://f1i.com/news/487485-japanese...ictures-4.html


Gary Anderson: Why McLaren's last big upgrade looks so good for Suzuka
Sep 21, 2023
by Gary Anderson
The Race

Lando Norris's second-place finish in Singapore might have been McLaren's first podium in four grands prix, but it nevertheless continued an impressive upward Formula 1 trend that stretches even further back, to the start of July and the Austrian Grand Prix.

Just as that Austria uptick came on the same weekend McLaren introduced the first part of a major upgrade for its MCL60, so too its Marina Bay rostrum followed the introduction - on Norris's car - of its last significant package of 2023.

As a result, big things are expected of McLaren this weekend at the Japanese GP, where both Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri will have that upgrade. F1 championship leader Max Verstappen thinks Norris could be a serious threat in qualifying at least, while Mercedes' George Russell reckons the Norris-McLaren combination might end up best of the rest behind Red Bull "with their high-speed performance".

‘McLaren's last big upgrade looks so good’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/g...od-for-suzuka/


Steiner predicts 'reality' to hit Haas at Japanese GP
21 September 5:10PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Guenther Steiner has predicted that Haas will be "hit by reality" in the Japanese Grand Prix after Kevin Magnussen's points finish in Singapore.

"I think with all honesty, it was to do with the track, a completely different layout, and our car car didn't suffer at the track," Steiner told media including RacingNews365 of the ability to score points at Marina Bay.

"We still had degradation in the race, but I am very happy for the points and qualifying was great. It was good to get the point home, but the car didn't fix itself over last weekend, it was track-specific. We will get hit by reality again here."

‘Car didn't fix itself over last weekend’;

https://racingnews365.com/steiner-ex...at-japanese-gp


Lawson reveals F1 'discussions' on horizon as AlphaTauri star issues 'NOT HAPPY' warning
Thursday 21 September 2023 15:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Liam Lawson has stated that he 'wouldn't be happy' if he were to return to his role as a reserve driver in the 2024 Formula 1 season, as he revealed that 'discussions' are set to take place after the conclusion of the Japanese Grand Prix.

"I wouldn't be happy to go back to being reserve, but obviously, I know how hard it is to get into Formula 1," he told the media. "And I understand that that can be really difficult sometimes. So obviously, what will happen, will happen, but these things I just haven't really thought about too much. I'm just trying to make the most of this."

Yet Lawson revealed that any indication as to whether he will get a chance on the grid in 2024 has been put on the back burner until this weekend's racing has been taken care of. “To be honest, there hasn't been a huge amount of time to discuss the future," he added.

‘F1 'discussions' on horizon’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...iel-ricciardo/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen strides ahead in opening Japanese GP practice.
World Champion Max Verstappen quickly cast aside his and Red Bull’s subdued Singapore weekend with an emphatic showing in opening practice for Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix.
22nd September 2023, 04:37
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week

Verstappen clocked a time of 1:31.647s around the figure-of-eight Suzuka circuit in a hot and overcast first 60-minute session on Friday lunchtime. Verstappen’s lap, set on the Soft tyre, left him a comfortable 0.626s clear of Singapore race winner Carlos Sainz.

McLaren’s drivers set their best times during the closing stages of the session, with Lando Norris moving into third place, while Oscar Piastri leapt from the lower half of the pack into seventh spot.

Sainz’s Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc was fourth while home representative Yuki Tsunoda was a surprise fifth for AlphaTauri, as the only other drivers within a second of pacesetter Verstappen.

‘Emphatic showing’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...e-gp-practice/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
22nd September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:31.647
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.626
3. Lando Norris McLaren +0.745
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.927
5. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.950
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.003
7. Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.066
8. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.344
9. Liam Lawson AlphaTauri +1.358
10. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.393

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the opening practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-...and-prix-83178


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix
22 September 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...F4KQwGXVJ.html


F1 Live - Japanese GP Free Practice 1 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
22 September 2023
Racing Statistics

‘Free Practice 1 Watchalong’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrBvgbgKoQ4


Verstappen ROARS back as Ferrari rival Red Bull in Japanese Grand Prix FP1
Friday 22 September 2023 05:37
Shay Rogers
GPFans

The two-time world champion was the first man on track and showed clear intent to attack the session from the start, as Red Bull looked to make amends for a poor Singapore Grand Prix performance. It took him 15 minutes to lead the McLaren’s atop the timesheets by 1.6 seconds, as he showed a glimpse of the true performance they have in hand this weekend.

Although he had little to complain about during FP1, the Dutchman was less than pleased with George Russell’s efforts to get out of his way during a fast lap early on in the session. However, replays showed the Brit doing all he good to get out of the way, even touching the grass as he navigated the tight sector one.

‘Verstappen ROARS back’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-bull-ferrari/

[Fortitude]

FP2: Verstappen leads Leclerc and Norris to stay on top during second practice at Suzuka.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull put the memories of a challenging Singapore weekend behind them as they doubled up during Friday practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, following up their pace-setting FP1 efforts with the fastest time in FP2, which was red-flagged late on when Alpine’s Pierre Gasly crashed out.
22 September 2023


In another session that featured prototype C2 tyre testing for the 2024 season, Verstappen was one of the first drivers to switch to the standard soft compound rubber, producing an initial benchmark of 1m 31.377s to continue where he left off earlier in the day.

Following runs from Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc at the halfway mark, which saw both briefly top the times, Verstappen rejoined the Suzuka track on softs to pump in a 1m 30.688s lap and move comfortably clear of the McLaren and Ferrari drivers.

Leclerc wound up three-tenths adrift and Norris four-tenths back, with Carlos Sainz – the winner at Marina Bay and pole-sitter for the last two races – making it two Ferraris in the top four positions, half a second down on Verstappen’s time.

‘FP2: Verstappen leads Leclerc and Norris to stay on top’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...zdrM8xw9P.html


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
22nd September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:30.688
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.320
3. Lando Norris McLaren +0.464
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.549
5. George Russell Mercedes +0.640
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.804
7. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.867
8. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.974
9. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.022
10. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +1.051

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-83190


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix
22 September 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...C76Bz9F5n.html


F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023 - Friday Practice: As it happened
22nd September 2023, 08:20
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Here's what happened in F1 Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.

‘As it happened’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-jap...ce-it-happened


F1 Live - Japanese GP Free Practice 2 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
22 September 2023
Racing Statistics

‘Free Practice 2 Watchalong’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH6RQCERpcg


Alpine suffer nightmare end to Japanese Grand Prix FP2 after CRASH causes red flag
Friday 22 September 2023 09:10
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Pierre Gasly had an unfortunate end to his FP2 at the Japanese Grand Prix after he crashed into the barriers to cause a red flag. The Frenchman, who recorded the 19th fastest time of the session, locked up at Degner 2 and skidded through the gravel before making contact with the wall.

Alpine will have work to do to fix what looks to be some nasty suspension damage despite the relatively low impact. The crash came with just two minutes left in FP2, prompting an early end to the session.

‘Alpine suffer nightmare’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...pine-red-flag/


Max Verstappen 'impressed' by F1 rivals but makes clear demand of Red Bull in Japan
Max Verstappen is hoping to overcome a disappointing Singapore Grand Prix with a better Red Bull display in Japan.
09:10, Thu, Sep 21, 2023
By Sam Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen has heaped praise on McLaren ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. McLaren have enjoyed a successful run of form in recent months, with Lando Norris finishing on the podium at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Piling praise on McLaren, Verstappen said: “What McLaren have done this year is quite impressive, from where they started to where they are now, so I expect them to be strong - but I expect to be ahead.”

He added of Red Bull’s chances in Japan: “It's important that we analyse everything, but there's no real rush. Singapore is so different to here in terms of how you set up the car, so I'm not worried that a weekend like that will upset our weekend here. [This track] felt nice on the simulator, so that is good.”

‘Heaped praise on McLaren’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Red-Bull-Japan

[Fortitude]

What we learned from Friday practice at the F1 Japanese GP.
Max Verstappen's headline times in both of Friday's Formula 1 practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix proved that Red Bull's misfortune in Singapore was a mere blip.
Sep 22, 2023, 1:36 PM
By: Jake Boxall-Legge

The championship leader atoned for a difficult weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit last time out by stamping his authority on FP1, capturing a 1m31.647s to sit above Singapore winner Carlos Sainz by 0.6s as Ferrari continued its recent resurgence with the runner-up spot in the noon-time session.

He proceeded to claim FP2 over the other Ferrari in the afternoon, outpacing Charles Leclerc by the smaller margin of 0.3s with a 1m30.688s while Lando Norris sat in the top three of both sessions to demonstrate McLaren's credentials as a podium contender at Suzuka.

Lewis Hamilton had predicted that Red Bull would be strong before any of the cars had turned a wheel, suggesting Verstappen should win Sunday's race by over 30 seconds and lauded the RB19's characteristics around a circuit such as Suzuka. The seven-time champion's early assessment appears to have been proven correct, owing to Verstappen's evident advantage through the first practice sessions.

‘The championship leader atoned for a difficult weekend’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/w...e-gp/10523715/


Max Verstappen boldly snubs Mercedes after Japanese GP practice masterclass
Max Verstappen bounced back from his tough Singapore GP with an immense start to Friday's practice action in Japan.
09:13, Fri, Sep 22, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

The Dutch driver endured a difficult outing in Singapore last weekend, failing to reach Q3 before recovering to finish fifth, comfortably out of the picture for the victory. However, Red Bull's star man was back to his unflappable best on Friday in Japan, finishing at the top of the timing sheets in both FP1 and FP2 as he sets himself up for a dominant weekend at Suzuka.

Verstappen was six-tenths faster than second-best Carlos Sainz in FP1, before finishing three-tenths to the good on his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc in the second practice session of the day. Speaking to Sky Sports about his start to the weekend, Verstappen said: "Yeah it felt really good today. From lap one the car was enjoyable to drive again and it seems like we had a strong day on the short runs [and] long runs.”

"There is a lot of degradation so [it] will be quite tough I think on tyres in the race, but yeah so far I think we have a good start to the weekend." The Dutchman was then asked about who he sees as his biggest rivals for pole position on Saturday, responding: “It looks like it’s all a bit tight behind me between Ferrari and McLaren are close.”

‘Japanese GP practice masterclass’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ese-Grand-Prix


Lewis Hamilton openly admits he has NO CHANCE of victory at F1's Japanese Grand Prix after a 'really bad day' saw him finish 16th and 14th in practice
• Lewis Hamilton has discarded Mercedes' chances at the Japanese Grand Prix
• The seven-time world champion endured torrid practice sessions at Suzuka
Published: 12:55, 22 September 2023
By Ollie Lewis For Mailonline
Mail Online

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he ‘definitely won’t be winning’ the Japanese Grand Prix after a day to forget in Suzuka. The seven-time world champion put in two underwhelming performances in Friday’s practice sessions, crossing the line in P16 and P14.

‘It was a really bad day, to be honest, he said. ‘A real struggle out there. [We were] a long way off, two seconds off in the first session and over a second off in the second. We're working away at just trying to fix the car's balance.”

‘We'll work on it overnight and turn it around for tomorrow, but we definitely won't be winning this weekend! If I in particular can move further up the order so I can at least back up George, who did a not-such-a-bad lap... yeah, tough one.”

‘P16 and P14’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...rand-prix.html


Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton facing elimination in Japan
22 September 2023, 12:08
by Asher Fair
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

Lewis Hamilton can officially be eliminated from 2023 Formula 1 world championship contention in this Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. For the first time since 2011, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of being eliminated from championship contention for a third straight season.

That elimination can officially happen in this coming Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, which Hamilton enters trailing two-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen by 194 points in the driver standings.

There are seven races remaining on the 22-race 2023 schedule. With 25 points going to the winner and one additional point going to the driver who records the fastest lap, provided he finishes inside the top 10, there are 182 points on offer throughout the rest of the season in Grands Prix themselves.

‘Facing elimination’;

https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/09/22...ination-japan/


Ferrari’s floor changes and five more teams’ Japanese Grand Prix updates
22nd September 2023, 12:51
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Japan’s round of the world championship may follow just one week after Singapore’s, but more than half the teams have nonetheless brought new bits for their cars.

Inevitably, the packages are not as extensive as those brought by the likes of McLaren and AlphaTauri to last week’s race. They are also more focused on efficient downforce generation, as Suzuka features several long acceleration zones in addition to medium and high-speed corners. Ferrari ran their new floor on Charles Leclerc’s car only in first practice, in order to compare its performance with the previous version which Carlos Sainz Jnr ran.

Four teams – Red Bull, Alpine, Alfa Romeo and Haas – have brought no updates this weekend. However the world champions are running the floor they introduced in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix but did not run in the race.

‘Japanese Grand Prix updates’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/09/22/...se-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX: F1 FREE PRACTICE 3 RESULTS.
The Japanese Grand Prix’s third and final practice session saw Max Verstappen back in first place on the timesheets.
September 23, 2023
Lena Ferle
FormulaNerds

The last sixty minutes of practice before qualifying were initially characterised by few cars on the track. Most drivers talked to their race engineers before getting into their cars.

The last ten minutes then saw the final rehearsal before qualifying. Verstappen returned to the track and moved up to first place with a 1:30.267, 0.240 seconds faster than Norris before. As time ticked down, both Ferraris went out for another fast lap, Sainz closely followed by Leclerc.

Sainz finished the lap with a 1:13.137 and Leclerc with a 1:31.022 – P4 and P5 until Sergio Perez also followed suit, clocking a 1:31.004 and sliding into 4th place. Traffic on the Suzuka track will be a problem in qualifying in a few hours – as it was just between Tsunoda and Magnussen. The Danish driver had to quickly move aside and raised his hand apologetically.

‘Max Verstappen back in first place’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ja...ice-3-results/


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
23rd September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:30.267
2. Lando Norris McLaren +0.240
3. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.288
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.737
5. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.755
6. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.870
7. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.892
8. George Russell Mercedes +1.238
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.282
10. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +1.401

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-...and-prix-83202


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the Japanese Grand Prix
23 September 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...e3h5HTDXW.html


F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023 - Final Practice: LIVE UPDATES!
23 Sep 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

It's qualifying day for the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix. Follow all of the F1 action here with the Crash.net live blog.

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-jap...e-live-updates


F1 Live - Japanese GP Free Practice 3 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
23 September 2023
Racing Statistics

‘Free Practice 3 Watchalong’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHjXyzosJh0


McLaren SURGE sees Verstappen rivalled in Japanese Grand Prix FP3
Saturday 23 September 2023 05:38
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Max Verstappen dominated his third consecutive practice session of the weekend in Suzuka, ahead of Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third. Sergio Perez finished fourth, alebit seven tenths behind his Red Bull team-mate, with the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in fifth and sixth.

Mercedes placed seventh and eighth, nearly a second behind Verstappen’s time, with Fernando Alonso and Zhou Guanyu rounding out the top ten.

As teams opted against doing much running in the early stages of the session, McLaren were the first to show any real pace, sitting 1-2 ahead of the Ferrari’s just 15 minutes into the session. Eventually, Max Verstappen came to play, lifting himself ahead of Lando Norris and into first place just two tenths ahead, and closer than many anticipated.

‘McLaren SURGE’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rand-prix-fp3/

[Fortitude]

“Mind-blowing” Max Verstappen pole at Japanese GP hailed as ‘one of the greatest qualifying laps in F1 history’.
Max Verstappen’s pole position lap at the Japanese Grand Prix has been labelled as “one of the great qualifying laps in F1 history” by Karun Chandhok.
23 Sep 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Verstappen had already done enough to seal pole with his opening salvo in Q3 but improved further with a phenomenal final effort that left Sky pundit Chandhok in awe.

"I'm still breathless watching that. I think that was one of the great qualifying laps in F1 history," ex-F1 driver Chandhok said. There's not much left on the table. The detail with which he drove - pinching little bits on the entry into Spoon Curve, 130R not using all the width.’

“He thought about every metre and for me that's a driver who's ahead of the car. If they didn't have Max in the car, they would be second on the grid.”

‘Greatest qualifying laps in F1 history’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103651...est-f1-history


Qualifying Results – 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
23rd September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:28.877
2. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.581
3. Lando Norris McLaren +0.616
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.665
5. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.773
6. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.973
7. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +1.031
8. George Russell Mercedes +1.342
9. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +1.426
10. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.683

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race in Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying...and-prix-83216


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix
23 September 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...sRhyAtG8q.html


F1 Live - Japanese GP Qualifying Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
23 September 2023
Racing Statistics

‘Qualifying Watchalong’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drGN2jJecvI


Verstappen takes crushing Suzuka pole ahead of Piastri
Sep 23, 2023
by Josh Suttill
The Race

Max Verstappen and Red Bull are back on top in Formula 1 after crushing the opposition in Japanese Grand Prix qualifying.

There’s been zero sign of a repeat of Red Bull’s struggles in Singapore – where both cars were knocked out of Q2 – all weekend and that continued into qualifying with Verstappen delivering on his clear pole favourite status throughout. He held a four tenths of a second advantage over his nearest rival, Oscar Piastri’s McLaren, after the opening runs of Q3.

Verstappen delivered a 1m28.877s on his final run to extend that gap to almost six tenths. Piastri couldn’t improve on his second run but he’ll still line up on the front row in F1 for the first time in a grand prix, having done so in the sprint at Spa, and has managed that on his Suzuka debut too.

‘Crushing Suzuka pole’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/v...ad-of-piastri/


F1 ROOKIE joins Verstappen on the front row for Japanese GP after qualifying
Saturday 23 September 2023 09:19
Sam Cook
GPFans

Max Verstappen stormed home to take a dominant pole position during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

He was 0.581 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger Oscar Piastri, the biggest gulf since Michael Schumacher's blistering effort around the same track in 2004, with the other McLaren of Lando Norris in third.

‘F1 ROOKIE joins Verstappen on the front row’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ition-mclaren/

[Fortitude]

Japanese Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins the race and the teams’ title, Perez implodes.
It was business as usual for Max Verstappen as the reigning World Champion wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull with his 13th win of this season at the Japanese Grand Prix.
24 Sep 2023 7:37 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

The Dutchman was matchless at the Suzuka circuit as he romped to the victory by almost 20 seconds ahead of the McLarens of Lando Norris with Oscar Piastri third. His 26 points meant Red Bull won the Constructors’ Championship as they took an unassailable lead in the standings.

However, it was a tale of two Red Bulls as Sergio Perez, twice pitting for a new front wing after hitting rivals, retired his RB19 from last place on lap 15 due to crash damage. The story of his race included two new front wings, two penalties, and a strange retired-unretired-retired situation.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/japane...ix-2023-report


Race Results – 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
24th September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 53 laps
2. Lando Norris McLaren +19.387
3. Oscar Piastri McLaren +26.494
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +43.998
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +49.376
6. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +50.221
7. George Russell Mercedes +57.659
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +74.725
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine +79.678
10. Pierre Gasly Alpine +83.155

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the provisional results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race around the Suzuka Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-resul...and-prix-83232


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
24 September 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ajRUna9N6.html


F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023 - As it happened
24th September 2023, 06:57
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘As it happened’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-jap...23-it-happened


F1 Live - Japanese GP Race Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
24 September 2023
Racing Statistics

‘Race Watchalong’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLMZiMduea0


Verstappen dominates for Japanese GP victory as Red Bull secure back-to-back constructors’ titles
24 September 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Max Verstappen and Red Bull returned to winning ways in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix after surviving a dramatic first lap and pulling comfortably clear of McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, confirming another constructors’ title for the Milton Keynes team.

Verstappen was attacked by Piastri and Norris at the start but kept both of them at bay, navigated Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car periods and then romped into the distance, taking the chequered flag first for the 13th time this season.

As such, Red Bull mathematically put the constructors’ championship out of their rivals’ reach to back up their 2022 win and make it two triumphs on the bounce, underlining the outfit’s superiority under F1’s latest ground effect era so far, while adding to the teams’ titles they achieved in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

‘Red Bull secure back-to-back constructors’ titles’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...6nypqVPO6.html

[Fortitude]

Toto Wolff must be tearing his hair out watching Mercedes from Monaco after Red Bull claim constructors' championship following Max Verstappen's victory in Japanese Grand Prix.
How, then, have Mercedes gone from cloud nine to the depths of despair in just one week? The first warning signs were cast by Hamilton on a humid Thursday afternoon in Suzuka.
Published: 10:03, 24 September 2023
By Ollie Lewis For Mailonline
Mail Online

On a humid Thursday afternoon in Suzuka.: ‘I would think that if they [Red Bull] are not 30 seconds ahead like they have been in the past, then something’s up,’ the seven-time world champion predicted, seemingly already defeated despite last week’s morale-boosting performance. It’ll be interesting to see how the weekend goes. I hope we’ll be closer, and I hope they’re not as fast as the 30-second gap.’

The proof was in the pudding as Hamilton crossed the line in 16th and 14th across both practice sessions, while Russell got his car up to fifth. ‘We'll work on it overnight and turn it around for tomorrow,’ Hamilton seethed. ‘But we definitely won't be winning this weekend.’ Pushed on why Mercedes were so far off the pace, Hamilton said: ‘It's figuring out what is wrong. We were much closer in the last race (in Singapore) but we didn't have many high-speed corners, only one, but not as high-speed as the corners here.’

It didn’t get much better in qualifying, either. On paper, Mercedes have the perfect duo to challenge Verstappen: Hamilton is, statistically speaking, the greatest qualifier of all time with 104 poles, while Russell was not dubbed ‘Mr Saturday’ during his stint at Williams for nothing.

‘Tearing his hair out’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...rand-Prix.html


Toto Wolff stand-in responds to George Russell-Lewis Hamilton argy-bargy at Japanese Grand Prix.
Mercedes have no problems with how Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battled each other at the Japanese Grand Prix, describing it as “hard racing”.
24 Sep 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Mercedes have no problems with how Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battled each other at the Japanese Grand Prix, describing it as “hard racing”. Hamilton and Russell went head-to-head on track on several occasions at Suzuka. At one point, both drivers went off the track at Spoon as Hamilton defended the position from Russell.

The pair’s battle went down to the final laps, with a split in strategy resulting in convergence at the end of the race. Hamilton was able to get past Russell after Mercedes deployed team orders, leaving the latter vulnerable to Carlos Sainz behind.

Reflecting on the battle, Bradley Lord - who is acting as a Toto Wolff stand-in alongside Jerome d’Ambrosio - said: “They race each other hard on a hard-racing track. It’s easy to read a lot into those radio messages in the heat of the moment. As always, we talk about it away from the pressure and the high temperatures of the cockpit in the debrief after.

‘George Russell-Lewis Hamilton argy-bargy’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103664...gybargy-suzuka


Tempers flare between Hamilton and Russell at Suzuka
Andrew Lewin
24/09/2023 at 10:17
F1i.com

There was a noticeably fractious relationship between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell during today's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka International Racing Course. “Who do we want to fight here, each other or the others?” Russell sniped as Hamilton went on to finish in fifth, while Russell subsequently also lost out to Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and ended seventh.

Talking of his early battle with Hamilton, Russell said: “Obviously made the first overtake, lost it down the straight which was annoying, and the second chance where he had his right to the line, so part of racing."

Team principal Toto Wolff wasn't in Suzuka this weekend, but Bradley Lord - who is standing in for him on the Mercedes pit wall alongside Jerome d’Ambrosio - was on hand to clarify what had gone on. "It’s easy to read a lot into those radio messages in the heat of the moment," he said. "As always, we talk about it away from the pressure and the high temperatures of the cockpit in the debrief. That’s where anything gets tidied up that needs tidying up."

‘Tempers flare’;

https://f1i.com/news/488044-tempers-...at-suzuka.html


George Russell fumes at "disaster" after Lewis Hamilton team order at Japanese Grand Prix
Hamilton finished the Japanese Grand Prix fifth, two places ahead of Russell, after Mercedes ordered the younger Brit to let his team-mate past in the latter stages of the Suzuka race
09:53, 24 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon
The Mirror

George Russell admitted his Japanese Grand Prix strategy failed and let to the order to allow Lewis Hamilton to pass, but was left to rue another "disaster". Russell had tried a bold one-stop strategy for the Suzuka race. Everyone else, perhaps sensibly, was banking on at least two visits to the pit lane on a track which is notorious for chewing up tyres.

It didn't really work out for the Brit. He was running fifth on the road in the final stages but on very old tyres and with Hamilton and Carlos Sainz close behind. Wary that Sainz might be able to get past both, Mercedes ordered Russell to let his team-mate through. He complained over the radio but eventually complied with the instruction.

‘Fumes at "disaster"!’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...japan-31014831


Mercedes’ call to help Russell using DRS “made no sense” – Hamilton
Formula 1
Posted on 24th September 2023, 10:41
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Lewis Hamilton said Mercedes made the wrong call when he was told to slow down and help his team mate by giving him the opportunity to use his Drag Reduction System. “I needed to get as far clear ahead as possible and I was on my way, I was around two seconds ahead, and they asked me then to give George DRS so I had to come off the gas down the straight to get him 0.8 behind.”

“Then he got DRS, but then he got overtaken, which was going to happen because he was on a one stop and we were on a two. But then he got past him, and then he was right on my tail. So, not ideal. It made it very, very hard for the last couple of laps. But I think as a team we’ve got to be grateful for fifth and seventh – it’s better than sixth and seventh.”

‘Lewis Hamilton said Mercedes made the wrong call’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/09/24/...ense-hamilton/


Sainz "laughing in the car" as Mercedes repeated DRS trick in Japan
Carlos Sainz says he was "laughing in the car" during the Formula 1 Japanese GP when he realised that Mercedes had borrowed the DRS trick he used in Singapore.
Sep 24, 2023, 11:26 AM
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

In the closing laps of last weekend's street race in the Marina Bay track, Sainz slowed down to give DRS to the following Lando Norris in an attempt to keep George Russell and Lewis Hamilton behind on their fresher tyres.

In the end, the ploy worked, and Sainz and Norris finished first and second, with Hamilton taking third after Russell crashed on the last lap. At Suzuka, the positions were reversed with Sainz catching up with Russell and Hamilton, who were running fifth and sixth. Sainz admitted that he found the scenario unfolding in front of him amusing.
"Yeah, I found it [funny], actually," he said when asked by Motorsport.com about his comment. I was laughing in the car because I could see Lewis backing off in 130R to give the DRS to George. And I was like, I need to make sure I attack George into the chicane. If I don't throw him offline, it's going to be impossible to pass them.

"Laughing in the car";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/s...rick/10524761/


Mercedes implode with strategy nightmare in Wolff's absence
Sunday 24 September 2023 10:39
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Friction behind the scenes? It had already been an uncomfortable watch for Wolff and those in the Mercedes garage as Hamilton and Russell went wheel-to-wheel on multiple occasions. The younger Brit had made a move into the final chicane only for Hamilton to fight back as he recovered from contact on lap one with Sergio Perez.

Later in the first stint, Russell tried another overtake around the outside of Spoon, only for Hamilton to push him off track. Russell jumped ahead thanks to his one-stop strategy and even though Hamilton was faster at the end of the race, the seven-time world champion had to be let through rather than making the move himself.

Had Wolff been at the track and on radio communications, you can almost guarantee he would have put an end to the madness and Mercedes might have kept Sainz at bay and scored a couple extra points.

‘Mercedes implode’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...f1-toto-wolff/

[Fortitude]

Hamilton makes 2024 plea as McLaren emphasises Mercedes' plight.
Lewis Hamilton says the Mercedes Formula 1 team needs the "greatest six months of development" it has ever had if it is to compete with Red Bull in 2024.
Sep 24, 2023
by Jack Cozens
The Race

Having repeated his opinion that this year's Mercedes was "basically the exact same" as last year's in terms of feeling, Hamilton was asked how much he felt his comments about where the car could be improved were being taken on board and what Mercedes will require to have similar success to what Red Bull and Verstappen are enjoying next season.

"There are things that I've asked for, that we've gone... in part of the direction for next year," he told Sky Sports F1. "All the points that George and I give I think have been fully listened to. I have no idea where the car's going to be next year, but we're a long, long way away.”

"We've got to hope for... the next six months has to be the greatest six months of development that we've ever, ever had to close that gap, to be really banging on the door."

"Greatest six months of development";

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/h...rcedes-plight/


Hamilton says next six months are crucial for Mercedes
24th September 2023, 14:06
The Straits Times

With Mercedes-powered McLaren finishing second and third with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Hamilton said Mercedes needed to take a good look.

"We can't turn a blind eye to that. We've got to look at what they've done and go in that direction. That is the direction. But I truly believe my team can do it," he said.

‘Next six months are crucial’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...l-for-mercedes


Lewis Hamilton has asked Mercedes to copy one of their biggest rivals as Max Verstappen continues to dominate.
08:42, Sun, Sep 24, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

While the result was a positive step forward from a difficult set of practice sessions and qualifying stint, Hamilton was not satisfied with Mercedes' overall showing with their lead driver ending the race 50 seconds back from Verstappen in P1.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about what his team need to do in the factory, Hamilton said: "The next six months have got to be the greatest six months of development that we've ever, ever had to close that gap. To be really banging on the door.

"We've always been great at putting downforce on the car, it's just that with the way our car currently works, adding downforce isn't working - it just makes it bounce more. Hopefully with the change in philosophy we will be back to where this team deserve because this is a world championship team. We still are an amazing team and I have absolute faith in everyone. But decisions that are made in this period of time are critical for our trajectory."

‘Copy one of their biggest rivals’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Max-Verstappen


Lewis Hamilton demands Mercedes listen to him as problems laid bare in Red Bull chase
Hamilton finished the Japanese Grand Prix fifth and a long way behind winner Max Verstappen, after which he spoke about the size of the task facing his Mercedes team
09:19, 24 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

He wasn't close to the podium, while there was a chasm between Hamilton and race winner Verstappen. It was a gap which, in the mind of the seven-time world champion, illustrates the improvements the Silver Arrows need to make.

Speaking after the Suzuka race, he stressed the importance of his own input in that quest. "There are things that I've asked for that we've gone in part of the direction for next year," he said.

Reflecting on how his race went, he said: "I'm exhausted, for one. Fighting with absolutely everything I have to get as high up as possible and get ahead of Ferrari, which had an upgrade this week so they were particularly quick. They have been quicker the last three races."

‘Lewis Hamilton demands Mercedes listen to him’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...s-car-31014708


Lewis Hamilton warned he made a mistake signing new Mercedes contract
Lewis Hamilton reportedly rejected an approach from Ferrari before signing his two-year extension with Mercedes.
23 September 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Fans of Lewis Hamilton have insisted that the British driver should’ve rejected a new deal at Mercedes and have joined Ferrari, following a concerning qualifying performance for the Silver Arrows at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Mercedes’ deficit has concerned Hamilton’s supporters, who don’t think the 38-year-old will ever return to the front with the Silver Arrows.
“They have no chance next year,” wrote @Jordan_F1 on Twitter/X.
“That team is hopeless now & Lewis shouldn’t have stayed there.”

Several fans agreed with this supporter’s take on the situation, with many having questioned why he rejected a move to Ferrari, who have improved considerably over recent races.
“Agreed. I honestly thought he would move to Ferrari but hey it’s F1, contracts, anything can happen,” said @jgc0.

‘Made a mistake’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/lewis-ham...edes-contract/


Lewis Hamilton despairs over Mercedes woes after Japanese GP with message to Toto Wolff
Lewis Hamilton salvaged a P5 finish at the Japanese Grand Prix but was left unhappy after the chequered flag.
08:21, Sun, Sep 24, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

When the chequered flag waved at Suzuka, Hamilton crossed the line almost 50 seconds back from Max Verstappen, highlighting the work that Mercedes still have to do over the winter if they're to close up to Red Bull.

The seven-time world champion has now sent a message to Toto Wolff, who missed this weekend to undergo knee surgery, and the rest of the team at the factory back in Brackley.

"The next six months have got to be the best six months of development we've ever had to close that gap. To be really banging on the door."

‘Lewis Hamilton despairs… … sent a message to Toto Wolff’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...-GP-Toto-Wolff


Lewis Hamilton warns Mercedes of "critical" decisions and sets huge development target after F1 Japanese Grand Prix
24 Sep 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes need to pull off “the greatest six months of development” in order to catch Red Bull in time for the 2024 F1 season.

"Critical";

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103664...lopment-target


We are a long, long way away, admits Hamilton
24/09/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

"It's tough on weekends like this," he told Sky Sports, "particularly when the car is such a handful. It felt just the same as last year, it's bouncing and sliding."

"The evidence is there, at McLaren, and we can't turn a blind eye to that, we've got to look at what they've done and go in that direction. That is the direction.”

“Long, long way away”;

https://www.pitpass.com/76246/We-are...dmits-Hamilton