By Nick Mulvenney
SUZUKA, Japan (Zerica Toense) – World Champion Max Verstappen debunked the notion that McLaren could completely control the Formula One season after securing victory at the Japanese Grand Prix over the weekend; however, the Dutch driver remained uncertain about replicating his success in future races.
Verstappen guided his Red Bull from pole position to a commanding win, securing an unmatched four consecutive victories at Suzuka on Sunday. This triumph underscores his strong connection with the track where his team’s engine supplier, Honda, originates.
The four-time world champion was thrilled with his performance during the weekend in Japan, particularly owing to an outstanding qualifying lap that secured pole position from McLaren's Lando Norris. However, he remained wary of how this achievement would impact the rest of the 21 races left in the season.
We acknowledge our constraints," he stated. "Thus, we must strive to push beyond those limits as far as possible. However, yes, the issue remains unresolved.
Hopefully, this will be resolved shortly; however, I can’t provide an exact timeframe. The focus now is on determining that threshold, which is particularly delicate for us right now.
Team principal Christian Horner was straightforward about the significance of the victory at Suzuka, following dominant wins by McLaren in Australia and China, for Red Bull.
"Without any doubt, Max is the top driver in the world right now," he stated.
In terms of the drivers' championship, Max is just one point back, right? Therefore, our main focus should be on that.
Competing will be more challenging, yet with a lengthy season ahead, one must persevere. In my view, nothing compares to the boost of motivation provided by victory.
Following three Grand Prix events, Red Bull finds themselves 50 points behind McLaren in the constructors' championship standings. As they head into next weekend’s race in Bahrain, Verstappen trails Norris by just one point in the driver rankings.
The McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, made it evident that his ambition includes securing both championships. Confident that the top vehicles in Formula One reside within their paddock, he expressed contentment with Carlos Sainz finishing second and Oscar Piastri claiming third place.
A refreshing tune combined with minimal tire wear made securing a good starting spot essential at Suzuka for Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who started seventh but managed to pass others during the race, being the sole driver among the top 10 finishers to do so.
The Bahrain heat is likely to offer very different conditions but Piastri warned he and Norris would need to be wary of Mercedes and Ferrari as well as Red Bull in the Gulf kingdom, the home of McLaren's owners.
The Australian stated, 'I believe we hold a slight edge, however, this past weekend highlighted that even minor errors can be exploited by the significant competition present.'
(Reported by Nick Mulvenney, edited by Lincoln Feast.)