Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (P4): 7/10
While he was nowhere near mounting a challenge to the top three drivers, Leclerc’s showing at the Japanese Grand Prix can be commended for keeping the faster Mercedes cars behind during the race. Russell was nipping at the Ferrari driver’s heels in the opening laps, but the latter managed to stay ahead and consolidate P4 after the pitstop phase. Leclerc couldn’t have hoped for much more than that.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren (P3): 8/10
Piastri was mighty close to claiming his second pole position of 2025, as he was the fastest driver in the final two sectors but made a mistake on the first sector which knocked him clean off the front row of the starting grid. It was a curiously tame race for both McLarens, as despite being stuck behind the Red Bull of Verstappen they didn’t attempt any sort of alternative strategy. Piastri asked to swap positions with teammate Norris to try and get past Verstappen, but the Woking-based outfit refused his request. Piastri will be disappointed with third, as he was perhaps the fastest driver around Suzuka in the Grand Prix.
