Red Bull have cliched the constructors’ title, but do they get the credit they should for their dominance? RaceFans’ writers have their say.
Will Wood's articles on RaceFans
Will has been a RaceFans contributor since 2012 during which time he has covered F1 test sessions, launch events and interviewed drivers. He mainly contributes to Formula One race weekend and pre-season test coverage, and also has the enviable job of reviewing the official Formula One game and other motor sport titles to the test.
2023 Japanese Grand Prix weekend F1 driver ratings
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen re-established Red Bull as winners at Suzuka, but Sergio Perez struggled. Here are RaceFans’ driver ratings for the Japanese GP.
Verstappen canters to clinch Red Bull’s title – with no help from Perez
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen controlled the Japanese Grand Prix to secure the constructors’ crown for Red Bull while his team mate endured a race to forget.
Verstappen “lucky” to resist first-lap attack from Norris and Piastri
Formula 1
Posted onJapanese Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen admitted he was “lucky” to hold onto the lead at the start after facing pressure from both McLarens.
McLaren drivers hail team’s ‘outstanding progress’ after first double podium
Formula 1
Posted onLando Norris and Oscar Piastri praised McLaren’s progress this season after securing second and third in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Another Verstappen win makes Red Bull champions again as Piastri reaches podium
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen took another comfortable victory in the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of the McLaren pair to win the constructors’ championship for Red Bull.
Alonso “very proud” to maintain Q3 run at track team was “concerned about”
RaceFans Round-up
Posted onIn the round-up: Alonso “very proud” to reach Q3 • Lawson “50-50” to race Qatar • Maximum laptime “worked really well” – Russell
Verstappen sitting pretty but unexpectedly hot track could cook up drama
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen appears set to clinch the constructors’ championship for Red Bull on Sunday, but a warm track will make tyre wear critical.
No penalties for Leclerc, Bottas and Zhou for exceeding lap time limit
Formula 1
Posted onCharles Leclerc, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will receive no penalties for exceeding the maximum lap time limit in qualifying.
Piastri says he could have gone quicker after claiming front row spot on Suzuka debut
Formula 1
Posted onMcLaren’s Oscar Piastri says he was pleased to secure second on the grid at Suzuka despite knowing he could have gone faster.
Verstappen takes dominant pole ahead of Piastri as Perez struggles to fifth
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix by over half a second from the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Verstappen fastest again in final practice ahead of McLaren duo
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen completed a hat trick of fastest practice times by setting the best lap in the final practice session at Suzuka.
‘Kiss-activated trophies’ to be awarded at Japanese and United States GPs
RaceFans Round-up
Posted onIn the round-up: “Kiss-activated trophies” for two races • AlphaTauri withdraws ‘rising sun’ artwork • LKY SUNZ apologises for “misunderstanding”
Ferrari resurgence continues but Perez must find 16kph to match Verstappen
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen looked back to his best on Friday in Suzuka with a close battle brewing behind him, but his team mate has a lot of speed to find.
McLaren handling “all over the place” but closer to Red Bull than usual – Norris
Formula 1
Posted onLando Norris says he was encouraged by McLaren’s pace in practice but admitted he struggled with handling around the Suzuka circuit.
Verstappen sets the pace again as Gasly crash ends session
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen topped the times for the second session in a row on Friday as Pierre Gasly suffered a crash at the very end of practice.
Ricciardo return ‘still a while away’ says AlphaTauri
Formula 1
Posted onDaniel Ricciardo is still a “while away” from returning to racing as he continues to recover from a broken hand, says AlphaTauri.
Verstappen puts Red Bull back on top in first practice at Suzuka
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen put Red Bull back on top of the times in the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
LKYSUNZ offers $600m to enter new team into Formula 1
RaceFans Round-up
Posted onIn the round-up: LKYSUNZ offers $600m to enter F1 • Piastri “pushed me a lot” – Norris • Tsunoda hopes to rebound after DNFs • Honda rebrands US racing arm
Red Bull understand “misinformation” behind poor Singapore performance – Perez
Formula 1
Posted onRed Bull driver Sergio Perez says his team have a good idea what they got wrong with their set-up last weekend in Singapore.