Japanese Grand Prix 1992 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Riccardo Patrese claimed victory at Suzuka after Nigel Mansell crashed out on the opening lap, providing the Italian with a bittersweet triumph in his final season with Williams. Patrese drove a measured race to capitalize on his teammate's misfortune, demonstrating the professionalism that had characterized his long Formula 1 career. The victory marked an emotional finale to McLaren-Honda's legendary partnership, as the Japanese manufacturer competed at their home circuit for the final time before withdrawing from Formula 1.

Gerhard Berger finished second for McLaren in what would be the team's penultimate race with Honda power, providing a poignant reminder of the partnership's glory years. The Austrian drove solidly to secure valuable constructors' points, though the result was tinged with sadness knowing Honda's impending departure. Martin Brundle completed the podium for Benetton in third place, capping an impressive season where he had consistently outperformed his machinery.

The race was overshadowed by Mansell's first-lap retirement, which denied him a potential tenth victory of the season. More significantly, it marked the end of an era as Honda prepared to leave Formula 1 after dominating the sport for six years with Williams and McLaren. The Japanese manufacturer's withdrawal would leave McLaren scrambling for customer Ford engines in 1993, fundamentally changing the competitive landscape.