VERSTAPPEN AND OCON SCORE BIG IN JAPAN

The now double champion delivered a performance worthy of his status, Alpine’s man gave his all – and there’s praise where it’s due for Latifi

LEWIS HAMILTON

Started 6th --------------- Result 5th Merc’s drag was so extreme that despite the wet conditions rewarding its higher downforce, Hamilton was powerless in a straight line. Those factors outside of his control considered, he returns to a good score, his eight underpinned by besting Russell in qualifying and running Ocon close in the GP.

GEORGE RUSSELL

Started 8th --------------- Result 8th Is right to bemoan losing seven places to the Mercedes double-stack pitstop at the restart. But he put himself in a position to suffer by qualifying 0.128s slower than Hamilton and behind Alonso. That said, his recovery and beautiful passes on Tsunoda, Latifi and Norris redeem his rating.

MAX VERSTAPPEN

Started 1st ------------------ Result 1st 10

Performance worthy of wrapping up the title earns full marks. Not losing pole for very near-miss with Norris or running wide, shedding a duct and bleeding time late in Q3 narrowly stops him from dropping a score. Otherwise, his unmatchable speed in wet race conditions cannot be faulted.

SERGIO PEREZ

Started 4th ------------- Result 2nd Struggling with Q3 understeer to lap four tenths adrift of his team-mate has to limit the rating. But he did raise his game on Sunday. While still slower than the lead RB18, Perez had enough to force Leclerc into a critical mistake that ultimately decided the title to fulfil his number two role.

CHARLES LECLERC

Started 2nd ------------- Result 3rd To qualify for a top grade relies on a driver having made no major errors. But cutting the chicane to cop a penalty is a big mistake. Also, the pace was lacklustre. Further, Verstappen left the door open for Leclerc to seize pole. Even if it was only by 0.01 seconds, he didn’t seize his chance.

CARLOS SAINZ

Started 3rd ------------------------ Result R Hard to see what he could have done to avoid aquaplaning into the wall. But, it must be said, no one else managed it. He is further docked for his caution into Turn 1 to fall behind Perez, a day after struggling to control tyre temperatures to fall short of Leclerc in Q3. A lacklustre weekend.