Max Verstappen brilliantly clutched onto the race lead on the opening lap at Suzuka, despite a strong challenge from championship leader Lando Norris.
The Dutchman and his McLaren competitor began the 53-lap race inclined toward one another on the grid, hoping to steal P1, as the track was still drying out from earlier rain. However, Verstappen successfully repelled Norris.
The top 10 remained unchanged, but further down the field Fernando Alonso passed Pierre Gasly’s Alpine after the two battled through the first lap. Yuki Tsunoda, a new Red Bull driver, also managed to pass Racing Bull’s Liam Lawson, who the home favorite replaced at the top team before this weekend. Watch the race start from the Japanese Grand Prix in the video player above.
