F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen wins, clinches 2nd straight world title after Leclerc gets post-race penalty

F1 continues the flyaway section of its schedule with the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. Having hosted its share of dramatic title deciders in the past when it was the final race on the calendar, it could see another this weekend, although much less compelling than, say, Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen starts from pole and if he can finish eight points (the difference between a race win with the fastest lap to second place) ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and six points ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, he will clinch his second title, with four races remaining – a far cry from last year’s final-lap decider.

Japanese Grand Prix TV schedule

Fans in the United States can watch practices, qualifying and the race on TV via the ESPN family of networks or stream it via ESPN or F1TV Pro.

(All times ET)

Sunday, Oct. 9

Pre-race show: 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. (ESPN2)

Japanese Grand Prix: 1 - 3 a.m. (ESPN2)

Japanese Grand Prix starting grid

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull-RBPT

2. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

3. Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari

4. Sergio Perez, Red Bull-RBPT

5. Esteban Ocon, Alpine-Renault

6. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

7. Fernando Alonso, Alpine

8. George Russell, Mercedes

9. Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin-Mercedes

10. Lando Norris, McLaren-Mercedes

11. Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren-Mercedes

12. Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo-Ferrari

13. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri-RBPT

14. Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo-Ferrari

15. Mick Schumacher, Haas-Ferrari

16. Alexander Albon, Williams-Mercedes

17. Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri-RBPT

18. Kevin Magnussen, Haas-Ferrari

19. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin-Mercedes

20. Nicholas Latifi, Williams-Mercedes

Top drivers and best bets for the Japanese Grand Prix

As has been the norm this season, Leclerc enters with the best odds for pole position at +125 – which this round he shares with Verstappen – but has longer odds for the race win (+300) than Verstappen (-165).

Best odds for the Japanese Grand Prix (per BetMGM)

• Max Verstappen (-165)

• Charles Leclerc (+300)

• Lewis Hamilton (+800)

Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg likes Mercedes’ Russell to finish in the top six (-400) despite the low return and Mick Schumacher to finish ahead of Haas teammate Kevin Magnussen (+100).

F1 drivers Top 5 entering Suzuka

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull - 341

2. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari - 237

3. Sergio Perez, Red Bull - 235

4. George Russell, Mercedes - 203

5. Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari - 202

Japanese Grand Prix weekend weather

The forecast calls for rain during Friday’s practice sessions, clear conditions for qualifying on Saturday and showers on Sunday, so we could see some mixed tire strategies if the circuit is wet when the race starts.