2023 Japanese Grand Prix “Another amazing day for us. A P2 and a P3, the team did an amazing job and I’m very proud”
Suzuka International Racing Course, Sunday, 23 September
Hear from McLaren Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Team Principal Andrea Stella after the Japanese Grand Prix.
As it happened
• Verstappen moves to right off the line to cover off a challenge from Oscar, which allows Lando to launch into second ahead of the Australian, who then slots into P3 ahead of Leclerc
• A collision between Bottas and Albon results in a Safety Car at the start of Lap 2. Lando and Oscar retain P2 and P3 when racing resumes
• Leclerc begins to chase down Oscar, but the rookie reacts by increasing the gap and moving out of DRS range
• Oscar pits on Lap 13 during a brief Virtual Safety Car period and returns in ninth with Hard tyres and an adjusted front wing
• Lando boxes for Hards on Lap 17 and is back out in seventh, with Oscar up to fourth
• The remaining drivers pit and Oscar and Lando return to P2 and P3
• Lando and Oscar switch positions as the British driver has fresher tyres and is lapping faster
• Oscar pits again on Lap 35 and Lando follows on Lap 37, with both drivers taking on a second set of Hards. Oscar returns in four with Lando third.
• Lando and Oscar both pass Russell to regain P2 and P3 ahead of crossing the line
• Lando finishes second for his fourth podium of the season, whilst Oscar scores third for his first F1 podium, being named Driver of the Day
Started |
3rd |
Finished |
2nd |
Fastest lap |
1m35.247s on lap 40 (+1.064, 2nd) |
Pit-stops |
2, lap 17 [Medium/Hard] (2.5s) and lap 36 [Hard/Hard] (2.4s) |
“Another amazing day for us. A P2 and a P3, the team did an amazing job and I’m very proud of the steps forward we’re making every weekend. We’re getting there. The pace was extremely strong today. We’re not close to Max but we’re not miles away either, so it was a very good day and I’m very happy. Congratulations to Oscar, his first podium in Formula 1, our first double podium together. A good moment for us.”
Started |
2nd |
Finished |
3rd |
Fastest lap |
1m36.328s on lap 38 (+2.145s, 5th) |
Pit-stops |
2, lap 13 [Medium/Hard] (3.8s) and lap 35 [Hard/Hard] (2.6s) |
“This feels pretty special, and I’ll remember it for a long, long time. I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity. Not many people get to have an F1 podium, and I’ve managed it in my first season, so thank you very much team. It wasn’t my best race ever, but it was enough to get a trophy. Our pace was strong, and I think in the second half of the race I got more into a rhythm. I’m super-happy and very excited to try and get some more.”
“This week in Japan we’ve reached an important milestone in our journey at McLaren. For the first time this season, we finished with both cars on the podium. It’s also the first podium for Oscar in Formula 1. That’s a phenomenal achievement in his rookie season. We’re delighted for him and so pleased as a team that we’ve been able to make it possible.
“The remarkable job done by the whole team trackside and factory side is what has made the difference. I want to thank all of the team once more. We look forward to the remainder of the season with optimism. It will be tough to repeat this kind of result, but we’ll give it our best shot and hope we can take that final step in performance.”
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