Verstappen impresses Windsor: 'Best pass of the year'

The Japanese Grand Prix started in rain. The drivers started from intermediates and Verstappen was on the outside slower than Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque, therefore, looked set to take over the lead from the Dutchman, but the latter had other plans. Indeed, on the outside, Verstappen held his own and thus retained his lead.

Verstappen impresses on the first lap

''Because that start was made, we saw what will probably be the best pass of the year. Which was Verstappen off the line on the greasy side of the road, the clean side on the dry, but in the wet, it was Leclerc who got the traction in P2. He was on the inside going down into turn 1a, 1b, the all important sector at Suzuka which will define the race because it was going to be difficult to overtake,'' Windsor began in his video on YouTube.

''Max with the championship points to think about, a lot of people saying to him all weekend that he could clinch the championship. Down the outside of Leclerc, of all people, it's one thing to do that to Sainz, but to Leclerc. Down the outside, holding that position, as they came to 1b, for Charles he had to back away and Max took the lead.''

After the overtaking, Verstappen drove away from the rest of the field and even the red flag did not throw a spanner in the works for the Dutchman. ''It was just sublime driving and incredible track craft. Regardless of what we will say next about all the other issues that occurred in Japan, that stands alone as the moment of the day. Stunning. If you wanted any tangible proof of Verstappen and his 2022 championship, it was that moment in Japan,'' Windsor concluded.