Red flag at Suzuka, teams completely abandon full wets as Sainz crashes

All drivers started on intermediates, apart from Pierre Gasly. The full wets are not a driver's favourite because it is a poor rain tyre, it overheats quickly and the wear is high. However, intermediates do not drain enough water while driving.

Carlos Sainz went into the wall, Sebastian Vettel spun and so did Guanyu Zhou. For Sainz and Albon, the race is already definitely over. The latter had to stop his Williams by the side with a technical malfunction.

Drivers complained over the team about the dangerous conditions and aquaplaning. Race control listened to the drivers and waved the red flag.