In a surprising turn at Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton experienced a significant upswing in the drivers’ championship standings, as Ferrari received a considerable boost in their constructors’ rank. This rise was solidified following an official confirmation from the FIA, propelling Hamilton and Ferrari to new heights as the racing season unfolds.
Prior to the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari found themselves in a modest fifth position in the constructors’ championship, accumulating only 17 points, part of a challenging stretch after Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced disqualifications at the Chinese GP. The subsequent Japanese GP, however, marked a turning point, with Hamilton securing a respectable seventh place and Leclerc clinching fourth. These results have noticeably elevated both drivers in the championship hierarchy.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen claimed a dazzling victory at Suzuka, contending with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the top spot. His triumph narrows the gap between him and the current championship leader, Lando Norris, to a single point, intensifying the competition. Piastri’s podium finish further complicates the drivers’ standings, positioning him above Mercedes’ George Russell, while Mercedes maintains its second-place position in the constructors’ standings, trailing McLaren by 36 points.
Current drivers’ standings reveal a fiercely competitive scenario: Lando Norris leads with 62 points, followed closely by Max Verstappen at 61 and Oscar Piastri at 49. George Russell holds 45 points, followed by Kimi Antonelli with 30. Charles Leclerc stands at 20 points, and Lewis Hamilton, benefiting from the recent promotions, has 15 points. As the season progresses, these standings set the stage for an exhilarating continuation.
Ferrari’s elevation in the constructors’ championship to fourth with 35 points, behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull, marks a crucial step in their campaign. The dynamic alters aspirations for teams like Williams, Haas, and Aston Martin, and adds an intriguing competitive layer to this racing season.
The upcoming rule changes for 2025, most notably the removal of points for the fastest lap, add an additional layer of intrigue to the championship battle. Since its introduction in 2019, the fastest lap bonus encouraged strategic maneuvers, sometimes leading to unexpected race outcomes, such as giving drivers a late-point advantage. The elimination of this rule, however, follows notorious incidents, including Daniel Ricciardo’s strategic move in his final race, which influenced the championship dynamics to Verstappen’s benefit.
As the season progresses, the ripple effects of the Suzuka promotions and the impending 2025 rule changes are set to stir the championship waters. For Lewis Hamilton, these advancements provide renewed hope and influence not only his standings but also shape the competitive landscape of Formula 1, promising an engaging and thrilling season for fans and teams alike.
