F1 2019, Japanese Grand Prix: Race Predictions

The Japanese Grand Prix is an unconventional race at the best of times. At the Suzuka circuit, fans always create a lively environment which is distinctive to Japan. The uncanny hats, the handmade posters and other quirky items make an appearance each year to lift this race into a special corner of everyone’s hearts.

In 2019, however, the Grand Prix would be distinctive for a disheartening reason. Typhoon Hagibis approaches, bringing along the danger to property and lives. In light of the threat, all Saturday on-track activities had been cancelled. While FP3 running was abandoned, Qualifying has been shifted to Sunday and will take place four hours before the main event.

With race day being hugely cluttered, a lot of confusion and excitement has bubbled up. During the two practice sessions that took place on Friday, Mercedes looked in top shape. Valtteri Bottas led Lewis Hamilton on the timing sheets during both.

Max Verstappen set a time slower than the Ferrari drivers during first practice. By the time the second session was over, though, he had jumped ahead of Ferrari and was only behind the Silver Arrows.

Sunday is likely to be hectic and eventful and here are five predictions for the Japanese Grand Prix:

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#5 Sergio Perez to Thrill on Sunday

Sergio Perez was timed eighth-fastest during both practice sessions on Friday

Sergio Perez had been close on the heels of Carlos Sainz's McLaren when it comes to lap times on Friday. He finished a sturdy eighth during both the practice sessions. The Mexican is a steller racer and the fierce overtaking and defending capabilities he displays would come in handy.

If Racing Point can bring the fight to McLaren during qualifying, it would make for an interesting midfield battle during the race. Perez would be looking forward to another points-scoring finish after he finished P7 in Russia. The Mexican has a liking for the track, adding to his benefit.

A good haul of points for their drivers would help the team bridge the gap to Toro Rosso in the constructor's standings. For now, merely three points separate them from their direct competitors.

#4 Weekend to Forget For Haas

Haas does not have much to look forward to during the Japanese GP

Haas F1 has not had a season to look back on fondly, till now, this year. They would have been dead last on the constructor's table if it wasn't for Williams who occupy that spot. With five races left on the calendar, there is not much room for improvement for the American team.

Romain Grosjean was eighth when it comes to single-lap speed on Friday but it remains to be seen whether that feat can be emulated come race day. He and Kevin Magnussen finished outside the top ten during Friday practice.

The best chances of a satisfactory result for either of the drivers would probably be heavily dependant on a strong tyre strategy. This would be even more vital if they are eliminated before the third part of qualifying is underway.

#3 McLaren Best of the Rest

Lando Norris has brought the fight to his teammate in his rookie season

McLaren’s decision to join hands with Renault for the supply of engines had brought some degree of success to the team. The Woking-based outfit has paved way for McLaren-Mercedes partnership to come back to the grid from 2021. Despite this, their years with Renault have not been a complete waste.

The team has scored a century of points for the first time since 2014. They have not challenged Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull, but they are comfortably fourth in the championship standings for now.

Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, both, have often pulled impressive performances from a proverbial hat this season. As any Grand Prix related events for Saturday were either cancelled or postponed, the teammates spent the day challenging each other at a game of FIFA. The competitive streak would spill over once racing resumes and it would be foolish to discard the McLaren boys.

#2 Max Verstappen, the Dark Horse

Max Verstappen would be one to watch out for during the Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has mostly been there or thereabouts for snatching victory or a place on the podium in 2019. Red Bull Racing’s first year with Honda has been promising but hasn’t paid dividends in the form of a fighting chance at the world championships yet.

Max slotted in fifth and third during both the practice sessions. Wherever he starts on the grid, he will want to make rapid improvements on his position. This year has been quieter than usual for the 22-year-old but he has a knack of finishing off the season with strong performances.

The fresher engine components taken on in Russia could pay off this time around in Suzuka. Add to that, the new ExxonMobil fuel and Red Bull would be looking to grab any opportunities coming their way.

#1 Mercedes On Top Step

The threat of Lewis Hamilton can never be underestimated

Mercedes have not been as impeccable during the second half of the season as they were in the first. However, they still have the constructor’s and driver’s titles well within sights. To boost their confidence and speed, they bring in an improvement in the form of new sidepod vanes.

The last Grand Prix on the calendar saw Lewis Hamilton on the top step of the podium for the first time after the summer break. His teammate, Valtteri Bottas, has led each session in Suzuka till now and would fancy his chances of victory himself.

Mercedes have displayed a liking to ensure that Lewis retains the driver's title as quickly as possible. They have asked Bottas to follow team orders with a promise of payback later in the season. It remains to be seen whether the drivers will be allowed to fight for victory in Japan or not, if it comes to that.

Ferrari's potential, though, cannot be undermined, especially with Sebastian Vettel’s swooping victories at the track. They would prove a worthy opponent, but the odds are currently stacked in Mercedes’ favour.