Japanese Grand Prix – Seb 2nd, Charles fights back to 6th

The race.  Life got complicated for both drivers right from the start: Sebastian had a moment’s hesitation as the lights went out and was passed by Valtteri Bottas, while Charles got a slow start because of wheelspin. Bottas led the field into turn 1, followed by Vettel, Leclerc and Verstappen. In the middle of the corner, the Ferrari and Red Bull collidied and Charles had to pit for a new nose, rejoining last.

Fighters.  Vettel was unable to do anything about Bottas who went on to win the race, but in the closing stages, the German brilliantly held off a hard-charging Lewis Hamilton to finish second. Charles worked his way up to sixth at the flag, which was the most he could have done, given the time lost at the start. The next round takes places in Mexico in a fortnight.