F1 made its long awaited return to Suzuka after three years away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with heavy rain acting as the key factor in both Friday practice sessions.
After Fernando Alonso topped first practice, Russell led a Mercedes 1-2 from team-mate Lewis Hamilton in FP2 as the German manufacturer impressed despite struggling in the rain in Singapore last weekend.
Max Verstappen ended the second practice session third fastest and directly ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, while Verstappen’s closest title rival Charles Leclerc could only manage 11th in FP2.
Verstappen holds a 104-point lead over Leclerc at the top of the F1 standings with five races to go, while Red Bull team-mate Perez remains in contention 106 points off the Dutch driver after his victory in Singapore.
In short, Verstappen needs to be 112 points clear at the end of the Japanese GP to clinch the title with four races to spare. Therefore, Verstappen must outscore Leclerc by eight points and Perez by six points to take the title in Japan.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB18
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
How can Verstappen can seal the F1 world title at the Japanese GP?
If Verstappen wins and sets the fastest lap he is champion
If Verstappen wins without the fastest lap and Leclerc finishes lower than second
If Verstappen finishes second, Leclerc finishes fifth without the fastest lap or sixth with the fastest lap or lower, Perez finishes fifth or lower
If Verstappen finishes third with the fastest lap, Leclerc finishes sixth or lower and Perez finishes fifth or lower
If Verstappen finishes third without the fastest lap, Leclerc finishes seventh or lower and Perez finishes fifth or lower
If Verstappen finishes fourth, Leclerc finishes eighth or lower or Perez finishes seventh without the fastest lap or lower
If Verstappen finishes fifth, Leclerc finishes ninth or lower and Perez finishes eighth or lower
If Verstappen finishes sixth, Leclerc finishes 11th or lower and Perez is ninth or lower
Any alternative results which don’t fit into these multiple scenarios and the title fight rolls on to the United States GP.
What time does qualifying start for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix?
Qualifying for the Japanese GP starts at 3pm local time (7am BST), using the regular Q1, Q2 and Q3 knockout session format.
Date: Saturday 8th October 2022
Start time: 3pm local time – 7am BST
How can I watch Formula 1?
In the United Kingdom Formula 1 is broadcast live on Sky…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Autosport.com – Formula 1 – Stories…