First pictures from the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix weekend
F1 Pictures
Japan’s enthusiastic Formula 1 fans turned up in huge numbers at Suzuka with home-made costumes and signs for their favourite drivers.
FIA reintroduces maximum time limit for all laps in qualifying
Formula 1
The maximum lap time limit for all laps in qualifying, which was introduced at Monza but withdrawn in Singapore, will return at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Norris among Suzuka favourites with ‘question marks on Red Bull’ – Russell
Formula 1
George Russell and Max Verstappen believe the performance of McLaren’s updated car could make Lando Norris one of the contenders this weekend.
Norris and Leclerc want tougher penalties after Verstappen’s reprimand for impeding
Formula 1
Lando Norris believes the FIA should impose harsher penalties on drivers who are deemed to have illegally impeded rivals in qualifying.
‘I was super-impressed with him’: Hamilton and Ocon race RC cars at Suzuka
Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon took time out from their Japanese Grand Prix preparations to race each other using remote controlled cars in the pit lane at Suzuka.
Ferrari decided before qualifying to sacrifice second-place car in Singapore GP
Formula 1
Ferrari approached the Singapore Grand Prix intending to use whichever of its cars qualified second to maximise the other’s chances of winning if it took pole position.
“Something’s up” if Red Bull don’t win by half a minute at Suzuka – Hamilton
Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton expects Red Bull will be back to their best at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after their winning run ended in the previous round.
McLaren keen to discover updated car’s pace at “more suitable” Suzuka
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: McLaren expect stronger pace in Japan • Vettel brings bee houses to Suzuka • Tsunoda features in comic
Ferrari’s “big step forward” brought unwelcome balance change for Leclerc
Formula 1
Charles Leclerc says the changes Ferrari have made to improve the SF-23’s performance have resulted in a car which doesn’t suit his driving style.
Sainz becomes F1’s newest multiple winner at Verstappen’s ‘bogey track’
Stats and Facts
Carlos Sainz Jnr is the latest Formula 1 driver to become a multiple grand prix winner but success still eludes Max Verstappen in the Singapore Grand Prix.
Russell would have been “furious” if Mercedes had split strategies
Formula 1
Mercedes didn’t put their drivers on different strategies in the Singapore Grand Prix because George Russell would have been “furious” with the decision.
Analysis: Is Stroll’s deficit to Alonso really a question of ‘points, not performance’?
2023 F1 season
Following the Italian GP, the 14th round of the F1 season, Lance Stroll trails team mate Fernando Alonso by 123 points in the standings
Piastri gets new deal to stay at McLaren until 2026
Formula 1
McLaren has agreed a two-year contract extension with Oscar Piastri which will keep the rookie at the team until the end of the 2026 season.
Perez still not driving RB19 “naturally” despite improvements
Formula 1
Sergio Perez says he’s still not fully comfortable at the wheel of his Red Bull, despite recent improvements in its handling.
Red Bull coronation at Honda’s home track? Seven Japanese GP talking points
Formula 1
Will Red Bull strike back at Suzuka after Singapore disappointment? Here are the talking points for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Gasly ‘doesn’t fully understand F1’s rules’ after Magnussen scrap
RaceFans Round-up
In the round-up: Gasly feels he ‘doesn’t fully understand F1’s rules’ after Magnussen scrap • Noda chooses BOSS GP over Euroformula return • Pierson gets Toyota test
Vasseur was “not too stressed” despite “emotional” first win as Ferrari boss
Formula 1
It took 159 attempts for Frederic Vasseur to oversee an F1 win as a team principal, and Carlos Sainz Jnr delivered him the goods in the Singapore GP.
Magnussen “worked my ass off” to inherit final point on last lap
Formula 1
Kevin Magnussen said he had done a lot to earn the final point on offer last weekend after inheriting 10th place when George Russell crashed on the last lap.
O’Ward to drive for McLaren in Abu Dhabi practice and post-season test
Formula 1
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed Pato O’Ward will test for the team again during and after the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Paddock Diary: 2023 Singapore Grand Prix
Formula 1
Carlos Sainz Jnr’s joy at scoring his second win and breaking Red Bull’s dominant run contrasted with George Russell’s dejection after his last-lap crash.