Round 17 F1 GFT AI Driver Rankings: He’s Back! Verstappen wins Japan GP, Red Bull locks up Constructors’ title

24 September 2023
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News

SUZUKA, JAPAN — Max Verstappen is back on the top step of the podium after a dominating weekend at Suzuka International where he dominated practice, qualifying, and the race at Sunday’s Japanese GP. With the win, Verstappen's 13th victory in 16 races so far in 2023, Red Bull Racing wins the Constructors’ championship for the season. Verstappen has all but wrapped up the F1 Drivers Championship and most expect him to earn enough points to clinch the title at F1’s next race in Qatar Oct 6–8, 2023. McLaren had a very strong day with Lando Morris finishing P2 and Oscar Piastri finishing P3.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull returned to winning ways in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix after surviving a dramatic first lap and pulling comfortably clear of McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, confirming another constructors’ title for the Milton Keynes team. (Image Credit: formula1.com)

“It’s an unbelievable weekend,” said race-winner Verstappen. “To win here was great. I think the car was working really well on every [tire] compound. But of course, the most important was also to win the constructors’. So, I’m very proud of everyone working at the track but also back at the factory. We’re having an incredible year.”

GFT F1 AI Driver Rankings after Round 17 Japan GP at Suzuka International Racing Course (Image Credit: Go Full Throttle Digital)

No change in the top 6 positions in the Go Full Throttle F1 AI Driver Rankings. Lando Norris moves up 1 spot to P7 and while George Russell falls one spot to P8. Oscar Piastri moved up 2 spots to P9. Stroll and Gasly both fall to P10 and P11 respectively.

Top 5 Finishers at the Japan GP (Image Credit: GFT Digital

After their Singapore blip, it was a return to winning ways for Verstappen and Red Bull (Image Credit: formula1.com)

Up next

The next stop on the 2023 F1 calendar will be Lusail for the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, which takes place from October 6–8.