The Japanese Grand Prix ended in a joyous celebration as Max Verstappen won his second world championship. However, a dark cloud loomed over the paddock, particularly for Pierre Gasly, who feared for his life at the beginning of Sunday’s race.
A chaotic opening lap unfolded as rain created hectic conditions with very low visibility for the 20 cars zipping around Suzuka Circuit. Carlos Sainz aquaplaned into a barrier, two other cars spun at different points of the track but recovered and a piece of the advertising board ended up on the front nose of Gasly’s car.