2025 Japanese Grand Prix Heroes and Zeroes

[Jericoke]

Over all, a relatively dull race.  Not much passing of consequence.  Not much strategy of consequence.

Heroes
Max.  Man I miss hating him.  He's driving great, and being a decent human being.  I'd love to see him free of RBR, or have a sparring partner.

Norris, Piastri.  They raced great cars to a great finish.  Perhaps a win was possible with something extra, but even the best drivers can't provide something extra every single race.

Antonelli.  The youngest driver to ever lead a world championship lap?  Quite something when you're competing against racers who had previously set those records.  I hope he's going to grow into his early promise.

Albon.  I don't know if he's been told to show a little more grit, or he decided that there's more for him if the team can do it.  He's always struck me as a talented driver who's just happy to be there.  I don't know if Sainz has awakened this new attitude by example, or just given a sense of urgency.  Either way, it's good for Alex and good for Williams.

Hadjar.  Of all the Red Bull drivers in the news this past week, he's the one who was overlooked and actually put in a solid race weekend.  Between him, Bearman and Antonelli, the 2025 rookies were well represented.

Zeroes
Stroll.  I have no idea what happened, but his early season progress seems to have been wiped out.

McLaren.  I doubt a win was possible, but they need to get in the habit of trying to fight for wins, to take chances and create opportunities.  They played it safe. 

Ferrari.  I feel like they've got all the parts they need, but can't figure out how to put them together.  If they can't get things to fit soon, it's going to be a long season.

[rmassart]

Are the Racing Bulls actually a faster car than the Red Bulls? At least outside of Max's hands on the steering wheel? It's not looking too good for Liam Lawson, I hope he can find his form. On the otherhand, maybe they should have switched Hadjar into the 2nd Red Bull, he seems to be doing a fine job.

[Andy B]

Are the Racing Bulls actually a faster car than the Red Bulls? At least outside of Max's hands on the steering wheel? It's not looking too good for Liam Lawson, I hope he can find his form. On the otherhand, maybe they should have switched Hadjar into the 2nd Red Bull, he seems to be doing a fine job.

If I could answer this I might be sitting on the pit wall! LOL