Last week’s Russian Grand Prix certainly ended in controversial fashion, that’s for sure! Despite Valtteri Bottas comfortably leading the race for some time, the Finnish racer was forced to make way for his teammate Lewis Hamilton under orders from his Mercedes team. With 30 laps of the race remaining, this seemed somewhat unfair for Bottas, particularly as it would have earned him a second win in as many races.
However, the two horse race between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel meant that Mercedes made the decision to prioritise a win for their star driver. In the process, Hamilton was able to extend his lead to 50 points in the Driver’s Championship.
Understandably, Bottas looked visibly disappointed with his team’s decision. So much so, that Lewis Hamilton didn’t celebrate his win on the podium. This was certainly a respectful thing to do considering he’d just claimed the race win at the expense of his teammate.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen celebrated his 21st birthday last week in Russia. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to finish on the podium. What a birthday present that would have been if he had claimed victory!
Ahead of the main event this Sunday, 7th October, Karting Nation will take a look at what’s in store as well as providing a brief overview of previous races in our full 2018 Japanese Grand Prix preview.
What Time Does The 2018 Japanese Grand Prix Start?
Unfortunately, it’s an early one this week, folks! This is due to Japan’s +8 hour time difference when compared to British Summer Time. So, if you’re hoping to catch the action on the circuit this weekend, you’re going to have to wave goodbye to your Sunday morning lie in and set that alarm clock early (boo!). The main event commences Sunday 7th October at 06:10 BST.
For those who want an extra dose of racing action, you can catch practice 1 on Friday 5th October at 02:00 BST, followed by practice 2 at 06:00 BST on the same day. Saturday 6th October sees practice 3 commencing at 04:00 BST, with qualifying taking place at 07:00 BST.
History of the Japanese Grand Prix
The Japanese Grand Prix is an event which was first held in 1963. Although, this was before it formed part of the Formula 1 calendar. The first two events were held in Suzuka in 1963 and 1964, and the events were won by British drivers Peter Warr and Michael Knight respectively. In the proceeding years, the Japanese Grand Prix was switched to the Fuji circuit. This included the first ever Formula 1 event in Japan which was held in 1976.
Between the years of 1978 and 1986, the Japanese Grand Prix was removed from the Formula 1 calendar altogether. But, the event has since taken place every year from 1987 onwards. After this point, the Japanese Grand Prix has switched between two different circuits – the aforementioned Fuji and Suzuka circuits.
However, with the exception of the 2007 and 2008 races, Suzuka has been the venue of choice for the Japanese Grand Prix. This doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon either, as an extension was announced which means the event will be held there until at least 2021.
Designed by track architect John Hugenholtz, the Suzuka International Racing Course is a circuit which measures up to 5.807 km (3.608 mi). As there are 53 laps in the event, this equates to a total race distance of 307.573 km (191.117 mi).
In terms of the most successful drivers in the Japanese Grand Prix, it’s the legendary Michael Schumacher who claims bragging rights. The former German racer claimed 6 wins in this particular event throughout his career. Only Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel come close to equalling or overtaking Schumacher’s record, with each of these drivers having claimed 4 wins each in their careers so far.
Who Won The 2017 Japanese Grand Prix?
Starting the 2017 Japanese Grand Prix in pole position was none other than Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver earned a time of 1:27.319 in qualifying and was able to hold onto this advantage to storm to victory.
In the process, he was able to finish top of the podium with a time of 1:27:31.194. Max Verstappen finished close behind for Red Bull-TAG Heuer with a time of +1.211, while his Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo finished +9.679.
Who Is Likely To Win The 2018 Japanese Grand Prix?
In recent years, a hugely successful run of results for Mercedes in the Japanese Grand Prix event means that it wouldn’t be surprising for them to storm to victory once again this weekend. After all, they have won every race in this particular event since 2014. Lewis Hamilton was able to earn 3 of these victories, while the now retired Nico Rosberg won in his title-winning year of 2016.
Given Lewis Hamilton is now 50 points clear, we’re certain that he won’t want to let his lead at the top of the Driver’s Championship slip. As we’ve already mentioned, he has won 3 of the last 4 races in the Japanese Grand Prix. What’s more, he has also won his last three races of the 2018 Formula 1 season too. So, if he’s able to emerge victorious in this Sunday’s race, not only will he extend his winning streak, he might just widen the gap at the top too!
However, Sebastian Vettel has proven himself in this particular event before. The German was able to claim victory four times between 2009 and 2013, with only Jenson Button the only other winner between those years. In spite of this, each of Vettel’s race wins in the Japanese Grand Prix came with his former team Red Bull-Renault. His current team Ferrari have failed to win the event since 2003. So, it might just be an uphill task for Vettel to claim victory this weekend! But, stranger things have most definitely happened!
Meanwhile, Red Bull-TAG Heuer racers Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo both finished on the podium last year. So, it would be foolish to rule either of them out as race winners!
Final Thoughts
That concludes our preview of the 2018 Japanese Grand Prix! If you’re willing to set your alarm early this Sunday, you’ll be able to catch all of the action on the circuit. We know it won’t be easy sacrificing your lie in, but we’re sure it will all be worth it! Remember, the main event starts Sunday 7th October at 06:10 BST.
*All times are in UK time.
Photo Credits:
motorauthority.com
f1destinations.com