F1, Japanese Grand Prix: Five Talking Points

#2 Rollercoaster for Vettel

F1 Grand Prix of Japan

Sebastian Vettel has had a disappointing weekend by all means. Not being able to qualify farther than 9th already put him on the back foot. At the start of the Grand Prix, it looked like Vettel might be able to make up a good amount of positions when he moved ahead from P8 to P4 on the first lap, especially with the early safety car keeping the field bunched.

However, as the German had a look-see for moving ahead of Max Verstappen, the lack of room spelt a recipe for disaster. The duo collided and while the 21-year-old stuck to his position, Vettel had to rejoin in 19th. The four-time world champion climbed back through the field, but he had to settle for sixth.

Max had been given a five-second penalty for leaving the track and rejoining unsafely which would have helped Sebastian’s case had he just waited for a better opportunity later.