Max Verstappen bounced back from his retirement in Australia with a commanding drive to victory during Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The reigning world champion led from start to finish, taking the checkered flag ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

It was Verstappen’s third win from the first four races of the 2024 season, allowing him to extend his lead atop the drivers’ championship standings. Warmer than expected conditions, varying tyre strategies, and a first-lap incident involving Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon all factored into the exciting race.

After grabbing pole position in qualifying, Verstappen made a clean start and quickly built a comfortable lead over Perez. The Mexican finished second to make it another 1-2 result for the ultra-dominant Red Bull team.

Sainz had to come from behind after starting fifth on the grid. The Spaniard utilized a strategy of making his final pit stop later than the leaders to gain track position. He expertly passed Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and others in the closing laps to snatch the final podium spot.

“It was very nice,” said Verstappen. “The critical bit was the start to stay ahead, and after that the car got better and better for me throughout the race.”

Leclerc took the gamble of attempting a one-stop strategy but ultimately had to settle for fourth place. Norris beat out Fernando Alonso for fifth in an entertaining battle between the McLaren and Aston Martin cars.

George Russell and Oscar Piastri had a controversial late clash as they disputed seventh position. The stewards investigated whether Piastri forced Russell off the track at the final chicane.

With his third straight pole-to-win conversion at Suzuka, Verstappen extended his run of dominance at the iconic Japanese circuit. The Dutchman has now won four of the last five races held at Suzuka.

As F1 heads next to China, Verstappen leads the drivers’ standings with 77 points, followed by Perez (64) and Leclerc (59). In the constructors’ battle, Red Bull (141 points) holds the advantage over Ferrari (120).