Sargeant about to be thrown out?: Schumacher hopes for Williams cockpit after crash

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The bankruptcy race in Singapore gave Max Verstappen (25) new wings for the Japanese GP. He dominated all three practice sessions in the Red Bull Honda at Suzuka and took his 29th pole position by over half a second.

“Yes, the rather weak performance of our team a week ago really encouraged Max. Hopefully he won’t be too motivated in the race, because tire wear will play a big role. Hardly anyone gets through with just two pit stops,” says Red Bull Motorsport director Helmut Marko.

Piastri causes a sensation: Norris attacks

The real sensation of the season starts next to Super-Max: Oscar Piastri (21) from Melbourne. He is increasingly making hell for his teammate Lando Norris (24) in the McLaren-Mercedes.

The Australian (“I made my two mistakes in the easiest part of the course!”) relegated his team partner, who was also still without a victory, to third place on the second row by 0.035 seconds. Next to Leclerc’s first Ferrari. The Reds have not won at Suzuka since 2004 (Michael Schumacher).

For Norris it is clear: “If Verstappen has even the smallest problem, we are there.” Three days ago, the Briton caused a heated discussion with his statement (“We have the best driving duo in the field”). According to an ongoing online survey by Blick, Mercedes leads, according to more than 4,000 votes, ahead of McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari.

Alfa-Sauber’s fifth total crash in 2023

Alfa-Sauber lost both cars in the first part of qualifying in Suzuka, just like a week earlier in Singapore. It is already the fifth total crash in 2023 in the hunt for times. To Melbourne, Silverstone and Zandvoort. This time the early exit is particularly embarrassing as Bottas in particular publicly raved about a “new car that will take us forward” due to its well-functioning upgrades.

But the World Cup penultimate from Hinwil must be careful in the last seven races. Because bottom team Alpha-Tauri-Honda (5:10 points behind) is getting stronger: 9th Tsunoda, 11th Lawson. Woe to your bones if they both make it on Sunday!

Williams crashes again

Things are getting tighter for Sergeant Logan (21) at Williams. The fourth serious accident after two Baku and Zandvoort. The American caused two minor damage in Jeddah and Barcelona.

Two hours before the Sargeant crash (“I was too aggressive and if you step on the grass you’re lost.”) Mick Schumacher sat with new Williams team boss James Vowles.

The German has not yet given up the fight for a Formula 1 spot. But the trend for the fourth oldest Formula 1 team is clearly towards Felipe Drugovich in Brazil.

Source : Blick