Suzuka Grand Prix: The certificate of maturity

SEBASTIAN VETTEL & FERRARI: For a few weeks now there has been the feeling that something is going to go wrong with the Reds. You just don't really know whether the source of the error is behind the wheel or at the command post. In Japan there were two breakdown episodes: Knowing that they could only stay in the title race with the Suzuka victory, the Ferrari pits made an almost naive choice of tires in qualifying - and were punished. Handicapped by eighth place on the grid, Vettel again had to take full risks in the race. The result was also sobering. You can also see it as positive that the World Cup has finally been over since Sunday. For Vettel and Ferrari the chance to gather themselves for 2019 - and work on stress resistance.

LEWIS HAMILTON & MERCEDES: The counterpart to Ferrari. In the summer, the dominant team of the past four years was still struggling with its own inconsistency and the impressive strength of its red rivals.

In top form: Lewis Hamilton. © APA/afp / BEHROUZ MEHRI

Fate changed at Vettel's home game in Hockenheim: Although Mercedes still had inferior material, a major Vettel mistake helped Hamilton win. Things have been going well ever since, and the Silver Arrow has been the best car again since Singapore at the latest. Hamilton's driver's title could be secured in Austin in two weeks. Winning the team world championship is possible a week later in Mexico. Thank an almost alien Hamilton.

MAX STAGES: If things go wrong in Formula 1, Verstappen can't be far away. On Sunday, the Dutchman took on both Ferrari drivers. In particular, the duel with Vettel, for which he - in contrast to the exchange of blows with Kimi Räikkönen - rightly remained unpunished, caused discussions. Verstappen only did what he was paid to do: he defended his position, which ultimately earned him third place. Verstappen himself explained that he would hardly have been able to hold on to Vettel if he had chosen a straight line and not a corner for his overtaking attempt. The 21-year-old's courage and chutzpah continue to be an asset to Formula 1, even if one would sometimes wish he had a little more insight. He missed that against Raikkonen when he received a justified penalty.

HONDA: The Formula 1 whipping boy gets up very slowly. Just in time for the home game, the Japanese automobile manufacturer has finally delivered an expansion of its power unit that deserves its name. In one fell swoop, Toro Rosso drivers Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly were catapulted into the top ten on the starting grid. Although the points were missed in the race, the trend is clearly positive. In terms of pure engine performance, Honda is no longer at the bottom of Formula 1, but Renault. It's a first step on the long road back to the top. It should also be noted that Red Bull (still powered by Renault) probably made the right decision by switching to Honda for the 2019 season. McLaren (since 2018 with Renault in the rear) has gone from bad to worse with Honda after years of suffering. Nico Hülkenberg is not having much luck at the moment. © APA/afp / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

NICO HÜLKENBERG: If there is anyone else besides Ferrari who has the disease in Formula 1, it is the German. The actually so consistent Hülkenberg, who often squeezed the maximum out of the mediocre Renault, was only able to gain one point in the last six races. There are currently problems everywhere at Renault. The car is increasingly vulnerable, the engine doesn't take a step forward. Hülkenberg recently spoke openly about the shortcomings. He is probably rightly afraid that the ambitious factory team will not be able to get out of mediocrity. Saying of the weekend “I hope you're not getting bored. There’s no way I’m doing it.”

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton after his sixth victory from the last seven races

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Suzuka Grand Prix: The certificate of maturity

The Japanese GP is over. The winner was Lewis Hamilton, who also had the saying of the weekend. Here you can find the tops and flops.

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