F1 2026 Japanese Grand Prix Driver Ratings Analysis

Oliver Bearman of Haas had a difficult weekend at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, culminating in a retirement. After a messy qualifying session, his race ended prematurely at Turn 13. While the excuse of avoiding the slowly moving Franco Colapinto was valid for going off track and hitting the barriers, Bearman seemed out of sorts from the start. Most importantly, Haas was relieved that he suffered no injuries.

Lance Stroll of Aston Martin failed to complete the race due to a water pressure issue that forced him to retire on lap 30 of 53. Despite starting last, Stroll managed to overtake Bottas and then Alonso in short order. The recurring, grim theme of the Silverstone team continued. There will be much to review and improve during the April break.

Alexander Albon of Williams had a race described as a "test session", spending the afternoon in the lower tier of the standings and pitting to fit soft tires and gather data. The Williams is currently a tractor, and even Alex's usual Sunday heroics couldn't mask the total lack of competitiveness at Suzuka.

Valtteri Bottas of Cadillac tried a gamble on hard tires, but luck was not on his side. Pitting just two laps before the Safety Car nullified his entire strategy. He managed to overtake Albon at the end, but 19th place in a Cadillac remains a lonely and quiet existence at the back of the grid.

Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin finished a lap down, which he himself called "progress". Alonso dragged the recalcitrant Aston to the finish line, demonstrating his persistence, but he was never a factor.

Pierre Gasly of Alpine offered a masterclass in defense against Verstappen. Every time Max managed to overtake him, Pierre took it back. Three consecutive top-ten finishes prove that Gasly is in the best form of his life, extracting every ounce of performance from the Alpine.

George Russell of Mercedes had a rollercoaster race. He ruined the start, fought back to second place, and then the Safety Car's luck hurt him. His battle with Leclerc for the final podium spot was the highlight of the race. He missed the trophy, as he struggled with a series of electronic issues, but his aggressiveness and pace were undeniable.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was the busiest man in Japan. He fought against the two Mercedes, the two McLarens, and his own teammate. His defense against Russell in the closing laps was clinical, securing a deserved podium. He is currently the only driver making the Silver Arrows sweat.

Oscar Piastri of McLaren did everything right. He took the lead at the start and seemed to be in total control until the Safety Car changed the script. The win is coming.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes also stood out, with a dominant victory thanks to a strategy that favored him, demonstrating his potential.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes had a poor start, which seemed to have ended his hopes, but the timing of the Safety Car was a gift from heaven. However, you still have to deliver, and a 14-second margin of victory is pure domination. Back-to-back wins for the teenager: the hype train has officially left the station.

Other drivers such as Arvid Lindblad, Gabriel Bortoleto, Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Ocon also had outstanding performances, maximizing their opportunities in the race.