Heavy rains in Japan meant the race at Suzuka would be shortened, like what happened last weekend in Singapore. But the shortened race had some exciting battles, the best among them for P4 between Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans had a lot of expectations for the race in Japan, with Max Verstappen on the verge of a title victory. Unfortunately, heavy showers meant only a substantially shortened race would be possible.
With just 28 laps out of the 53, the race still managed to throw some terrific battles. Sergio Perez battled for P2 with Charles Leclerc, while Esteban Ocon battled with Lewis Hamilton for P4.
Commentators placed their bets on the Briton early on as David Croft said “7 World Championships between Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton, all of which of course are Lewis Hamilton’s.” Little did they know.
Ocon drove beautifully for the majority of the 28 laps to defend his position. Lewis couldn’t make one move to get ahead of the Frenchman, as Ocon used all his driving skills to block Lewis.
Speaking after the race, Ocon said, “Some attack from Lewis Hamilton! Yeah he’s been pressuring me every corner. I was looking in the back and looking ahead, but I enjoyed the race.”
“I just spoke to him and we said we had more fun than any other driver here because the whole race we were battling.”
It was truly a battle to watch. Entertainment for the fans, exciting for the drivers. It gave fans, saddened by the shortened race, something to cheer about.
Social media absolutely loved the Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton contest
On a Sunday when the race was under the clock and race winner Verstappen won by a gap of 27.066 seconds, the Ocon-Hamilton battle was the true winner.
Here’s what fans had to say about the enthralling combat.
That Hamilton VS Ocon battle was quality! Definitely my highlight of the day for me! #JapaneseGP
— Stephen Hamill 🇮🇪 (@SteveHamill_) October 9, 2022
Ocon was under pressure from Hamilton for most of the race. To keep his car ahead has to count for something especially under these circumstances and on this track
— Raghav Mittal (@mittalrag) October 9, 2022
ocon is so underrated 😟
— eri (@hamxnda) October 9, 2022
ocon finishing in p4 under the pressure of hamilton is jst chef kiss
— faye (@fayealaia) October 9, 2022
#F1 #WTF1 #JapaneseGP The ocon Hamilton fight belike: pic.twitter.com/7I1NjTipmw
— Samulation 🏎 (@MSamiboi) October 9, 2022
The W13 has made this season so painful but we also gotta give Ocon his flowers that defense was spot on
— Valentine Madzhie (@Mr_TVMadzhie) October 9, 2022
This Ocon Hamilton battle #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/AbpI3BUhXB
— F1 Portrayed By Top Gear (@TopGearFormula1) October 9, 2022
f1tv said fuck everyone else this race is about lewis hamilton and esteban ocon
— andy (@iiiuminateandy) October 9, 2022
Hats off to Ocon, that was some stellar driving. 4 more races before the W13 can be thrown into the bin
— 🇯🇲7hanos876🇯🇲 (@thanos876) October 9, 2022
give Ocon the keys to a top car man I’m on my knees pic.twitter.com/PqjBSbAJmQ
— j (@HertaSZN) October 9, 2022
ESTEBAN OCON P4, HOLDING OFF A 7 TIME WORLD CHAMPION pic.twitter.com/FXSRMMUGc0
— kat ❁ (@honey_ricc) October 9, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
We just watched Ocon put a defensive masterclass against the greatest driver of all time, and then there's just whatever the fuck Leclerc was doing 😭😭
— ❄️Kokuhaku-sha❄️ (@shanethecnfsr) October 9, 2022
i still cannot believe Ocon got p4 and seb P6. like. ocon's defending against Lewis was just amazing and seb racing alonso till the finish line was incredible to witness
— Buggie !! seb docu era (@yassifiedrbrseb) October 9, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For Lewis and Mercedes, the season has been a disappointment. Their lack of straight-line speed was clearly visible against Ocon, and that’s something they would be working on for next season.