Japanese Grand Prix, F1 live – latest updates as restart delayed after red flag

Verstappen faced a nervous wait after qualifying, though, following an incident with Lando Norris that was under investigation. Ahead of their first flying laps in Q1 Norris overtook Verstappen at the fast left-hander 130R. Verstappen did not expect it and did not appear to see the McLaren coming. He tried to light up his rears to get temperature in his tyres, but momentarily lost the rear end and nearly connected with Norris, who had to take evasive action. In the end the stewards awarded him with a reprimand which means he keeps his pole position. But it was a strange moment that could have ended far worse. 

Norris said he expected Verstappen to pick up a penalty but Verstappen – and his team principal Christian Horner – said that the Briton broke a “gentlemen’s agreement” that the Formula One drivers have to go slowly through the chicane on their out laps, as they build up to their flying laps. Still, no harm no foul in the end, it seems. 

Verstappen can take his second drivers’ championship today, though he needs to finish 112 points ahead of his nearest rival – either Leclerc or Sergio Perez – in the standings after the race. A win and the fastest lap bonus point would guarantee that, but there are various scenarios which alter the outcome. Either way it looks very likely to be either here or in the United States that he wins the title. 

Still, with rain predicted for around the race time, it might be a bit more difficult than that. There are no guarantees in F1. Still, you would expect it more likely, going on form and the balance of probabilities, that it is his rivals who will slip up rather than him. We will have to wait to find out. 

The race gets going at 6am BST and I will be here for the build-up, live updates and reaction from all of it.