Max Verstappen (NLD)
Max Verstappen (NLD)

F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Cost cap debate rages in the paddock

F1 returns to the iconic Suzuka Circuit, home of the Japanese Grand Prix, for the first time since 2019.

Max Verstappen could take his second drivers' title this weekend if he manages to outscore Charles Leclerc by eight points, and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez by six.

Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton speak to the F1 media on Thursday in Japan.

05:25
Could Vettel return for a one-off F1 race at Suzuka?

"If anyone is happy to step aside for a single race - I don't think anyone would be - that would be something I would seriously consider!"

 

Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team. Formula 1 World Championship,…

05:21
Tsunoda on home soil

"It is a cool thing. Apparently I don't feel pressure! it is hard to imagine driving here because four years ago I was a spectator here, watching these guys."

05:19
Vettel weighs in on cost cap

"We try to be fair most of the time and I think that's the same of the governance of the sport, to ensure fairness across the sport. We have to trust them to do their job and if you don't apply with the rules, there should be consequences." 

Vettel's team, Aston Martin, is rumoured to be one of two teams to be in breach...

05:17
Alonso on the budget cap drama

"It's a difficult topic from our side. It's not really relevant here and we rely on our times. We all expect from the FIA to police as good as possible because we want to race in a good enviornment. It's a very difficult topic because there's a lot of things that we need to make sure they're controlled. The budget cap is one thing but there's teams with different things - things we need to control a lot. It needs to be well done."

05:14
Latifi says Zhou was in 'blindspot'

On not being summoned to the stewards: "It was a bit frustrating not being able to go to the stewards to view my side of events, especially when we are talking about consistency." 

Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW44. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW44. Formula 1 World Championship,…

05:12
Latifi excited for Suzuka debut

"I've heard so many great things from many drivers. With the exception of my home grand prix, Singapore and Suzuka were the main two I was looking forward to. Quite excited to drive tomorrow if it isn't a washout tomorrow!" 

05:08
More from Alonso...

"Different issues. We've been hit quite badly by reliability this year. Unfortunately, we are in this battle with McLaren, a few points behind. Hopefully we can have a normal five races now."

05:07
Alonso on what makes Suzuka 'special'

"I love this place. Everyone loves Suzuka! The feeling is really special. The fans are so passionate here. Looking forward to this year's car in the high-speed."

05:03
Tsunoda speaks about his first home race

"It's amazing. As soon as I landed at the airport, there was loads of people. I went to the grandstand for a bit of filming with the Netflix guys. Just looking forward to this weekend."

04:59

Tsunoda, Alonso, Vettel, Magnussen and Latifi are in the opening segement of the press conference at 5am UK time.

04:50
Japanese fans meet Ocon

Esteban Ocon (FRA), Alpine F1 Team with you alpine fans Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka,
Esteban Ocon (FRA), Alpine F1 Team with you alpine fans Formula 1 World…

04:48
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04:47

Good morning and welcome to Crash.net's live blog for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Follow media day here!

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