Breaking: FIA penalise team as Red Bull inspection takes…read more
Safety Car Controversy and Red Bull’s Strategy
One of the more controversial moments of the weekend involved Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver received a five-second penalty for overtaking Fernando Alonso before the designated safety car line. However, after sustaining damage and retiring from the race, Red Bull opted for a strategic move to minimize the impact of the penalty.
The team briefly sent Perez back onto the track to serve the five-second penalty before retiring him again. This loophole, while technically within the current rules, has caught the attention of the FIA, which is now considering regulatory changes to prevent similar tactics in the future.
Looking Ahead in the Japanese Grand Prix Weekend
As the Japanese Grand Prix continues, the competition is heating up, with McLaren’s Lando Norris emerging as the fastest driver in both practice sessions. Norris’ strong performance has solidified his early championship lead over Verstappen, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the season’s developing title battle.
Meanwhile, Mercedes will be looking to build on Russell’s early podium finishes, while Antonelli aims to continue his steady progress in his rookie campaign. At Red Bull, all eyes will be on Tsunoda, who has a golden opportunity to make a significant impact in front of his home crowd.
With a mix of penalties, regulatory scrutiny, and strategic maneuvers, the Japanese Grand Prix is shaping up to be another dramatic weekend in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
