japanese

6 analyses · 2026

Antonelli Won Japan in Sector Two. Verstappen Never Had a Chance.

Antonelli was six and a half tenths faster through Sector Two every lap. That's how you win by half a minute.

By Alistair Drum

Oliver Bearman Lost This Race Before The Lights Went Out

Bearman's race ended on Lap 16 when Haas pitted him early and left him out to die on Hards for five laps while Ocon executed the textbook strategy.

By Nadia Ferreira

The Lap Where Hadjar Knew He'd Lost Suzuka

Antonelli was seven tenths faster through the middle sector — and by lap 14, Hadjar's times proved he'd already accepted defeat.

By Rosa Villanueva

Pierre Gasly just saved Alpine's season. Franco Colapinto nearly ended it.

Gasly was a full second faster per lap and finished eight positions ahead. This wasn't close.

By Nadia Ferreira

The Lap Where Antonelli Stopped Thinking and Started Driving

Antonelli was three-quarters of a second faster through the Degners and Spoon—not because the Mercedes was better, but because he committed when Hadjar hesitated.

By Rosa Villanueva

Franco Colapinto's Qualifying Nightmare Proves Alpine Made the Wrong Call

Colapinto's car was so overbalanced for qualifying that he couldn't keep tyres alive past lap 12. Gasly ran the same compound six laps longer and still found pace.

By Nadia Ferreira