Superb podium for Carlos Sainz in Suzuka, with Fernando Alonso firm in defense. Ferrari did everything it had in its power to liven up a rather dull race, dominated by strategies.
The fourth place of Charles Leclerc represents another fantastic news in Maranello. Only he can finish sixth with an Aston Martin slower than eight rivals. The action was suspended for almost half an hour due to an accident upon the arrival of The Esses. Red Bull was not going to get rid of Norris' undercut to the Mexican, thanks to the frenetic pace of the MCL38.