Drivers Reflect on a Boring Japanese Grand Prix
Following the Japanese Grand Prix, many drivers expressed a shared sentiment: parts of the race were quite dull.
Max Verstappen, who secured victory, showcased exceptional skills, with his team principal, Christian Horner, labeling his performance as “inspirational.” However, the day proved to be frustrating for most of the drivers on the grid.
Comparison to Monaco
Williams driver Carlos Sainz compared the race to the Monaco Grand Prix, an event notorious for its monotony. Last year, the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) implemented a two-stop minimum rule for Monaco in response to its lackluster racing. Sainz commented, “I was very quick,” after finishing 14th, “but our track position is as hard to pass as Monaco.”
Challenges of the Suzuka Circuit
The Monaco GP has faced extensive criticism due to its tendency to result in processional races, attributed to the narrow circuit and the large size of modern F1 cars that hinder overtaking. Suzuka also has its challenges, with only one DRS zone on the main straight, making it hard for cars to closely follow one another, especially in the faster sections of the track due to limited run-off areas.
Limited Overtaking Opportunities
Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, who participated in the race for the first time, noted, “I was surprised to hear it’s difficult to overtake, even with a four-tenths pace advantage.” Other factors, such as the close grid and the conventional DRS trains that form, contributed to the scarcity of overtaking. Additionally, with tires experiencing low degradation, strategic variations were limited, and the dirty air from the 2025 cars magnified these issues, making overtaking increasingly challenging.
A Dull Race Experience
Nico Hülkenberg described his experience as “long and dull,” finishing 16th after spending the entire race in the midst of traffic. “It’s tedious staring at someone’s rear wing with DRS. With these vehicles, the dirty air grows worse each year,” he remarked, echoing frustrations with the new track surface leading to minimized tire wear.
Contrasting Expectations
Fernando Alonso pointed out the discrepancy between the usual excitement associated with Suzuka and the reality of the race, stating, “I don’t remember many times when there were a lot of overtakes here without weather changes.” Despite some battles on track, overtaking remained scarce, with Alonso emphasizing the contrasts between race day excitement and pre-race buildup.
Final Thoughts on F1’s Nature
The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix may not have been a nail-biter, but it served as a reminder of F1’s unpredictable nature, shifting quickly from praise to critique. Alonso remarked on the tendency to complain about grip or tire reliability, encouraging a focus on appreciating the challenges and excitement presented throughout the weekend. “It was another great Suzuka,” he concluded.
