In Japan, McLaren had both drivers enter Q3 for the third time in a row, Sainz starting in P7 and Norris P8. On lap 4 in the race, Red Bull driver Alexander Albon attempted to overtake Norris at turn 16, causing both to collide, which left Norris with floor damage and therefore impacting the car's pace. Norris also collected debris from Charles Leclerc's earlier crash with Max Verstappen, causing him to pit to avoid a brake fire. He would drop to the back of the field as a result of this. Sainz, who was in 4th place, lost a position on lap 26 in the pits when he emerged behind Albon. In the closing stages of the Grand Prix, Sainz managed to fend off Charles Leclerc and even lap faster than Leclerc. Sainz would go on to finish in P5, the third time he managed to get this result in 2019. Unfortunately, Norris only managed to finish 11th. McLaren extended their advantage over Renault to 38 points. Sainz overtook Toro Rosso driver Pierre Gasly in the driver's championship for P6.