Photo/Illutration The stands were packed with fans enjoying the Japanese Grand Prix on Sept. 24 at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture. (Kazuhiro Nagashima)

For the packed grandstands of rabid racing fans, the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix on Sept. 24 at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture had it all with crashes, thrilling racing and pure spectacle. 

Before the race, the aerobatic flight team of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the Blue Impulse, drew all eyes overhead into the sunny skies as it traced out a large smoke heart.

Immediately after the start of the race, there was contact made among cars at the back of the pack as they jockeyed for position, sending parts flying into the air. Course marshals hurried out and used brooms to clear the debris off the track. 

Against the unique backdrop of a red Ferris wheel against a blue sky, the intense high-speed battles between teams navigating through the S-curve and other difficult curves delighted the multitude of fans in attendance.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen continued his dominance of the F-1 season, taking the checkered flag for his 13th win of the year. Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri, a fan favorite, finished in 12th place.

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