Ten of the best pictures from the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
Max Verstappen
The Toro Rosso garage was surrounded by photographers as Max Verstappen made history by becoming the youngest driver to participate in an official F1 session, three days after his 17th birthday.
Daniel Ricciardo
The tricku Suzuka circuit caught out several drivers during practice, including Daniel Ricciardo.
McLaren mechanic
Sparks fly in the McLaren garage.
Romain Grosjean
Last year Romain Grosjean led more laps of the Japanese Grand Prix than anyone else. This year in the recalcitrant E31 he never ran higher than 13th.
Lewis Hamilton
Even the Giant Spider of Suzuka was no match for Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes W05.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Clouds loom over Jean-Eric Vergne during practice. The weather was a talking point throughout the race weekend as the approaching typhoon Phanfone prompted calls for the race start time to be brought forward.
Sergio Perez
The rain duly arrived on Sunday but the race started at its usual time. Sergio Perez discovered how treacherous the track had become after he left the pits before the race and spun off on his way to the grid.
Start
With rain pouring down, the race started by the Safety Car – and then came to a stop again. Following a delay the race finally got going on lap ten.
Lewis Hamilton and Nigel Mansell
Nigel Mansell gave some encouragement to Hamilton before the start of the race. Hamilton went on to win – leaving him one victory short of Mansell’s tally – and the pair were reunited on the podium.
Rain
The fading daylight and returning rain cast Suzuka in gloom as the race entered its final laps.
The serious accident which befell Jules Bianchi then brought the Japanese Grand Prix to an early end, and left the sport in shock.
Share your Japanese Grand Prix pictures and video
2014 Japanese Grand Prix pictures
Image © McLaren/LAT, Lotus/LAT, Red Bull/Getty, Daimler/Hoch Zwei, Pirelli/Hone
Alexis (@f1nea)
8th October 2014, 18:23
Nice collection! My favourites are Grosjean and Perez.
Timothy Katz (@timothykatz)
8th October 2014, 20:39
That’s a lovely pic of the Force India.
gdewilde (@gdewilde)
8th October 2014, 21:04
The picture with Jean-Eric Vergne in it is an absolutely stunning picture!
also, as @timothykatz mentioned, the Perez-picture is incredible!
One of the best ‘top ten pictures’ of this year.
sinewave (@sinewave)
8th October 2014, 21:50
Beautiful collection!
BTW, what hangs from DR’s suspension and looks like Bernie’s hair?
woogle
8th October 2014, 22:12
hope that spider bought a ticket!
frood19 (@frood19)
9th October 2014, 13:10
the perez and vergne ones are outstanding. such variety!
Craig Woollard (@craig-o)
9th October 2014, 14:32
Some beautiful pictures from a very tough weekend for everybody…
G (the H&S Manager)
10th October 2014, 13:34
AHEM!
No PPE used at Mclaren ;-)