Max Verstappen delivered a stellar performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing a victory that suggests the Formula 1 title race might become a three-way contest involving Red Bull, McLaren, and potentially others.
McLaren entered the weekend as favorites due to the Suzuka circuit`s characteristics, which seemed well-suited to their car. They had also demonstrated strong race pace by winning the first two races of the season in Australia and China.
However, Verstappen secured pole position with a record-breaking lap at Suzuka. He then successfully defended his lead against McLaren`s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the race, narrowing Norris`s lead in the driver standings to just one point after three races.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Verstappen`s performance as `inch perfect,` marking Verstappen`s first victory of the season after previous finishes of second and fourth in Australia and China, respectively.
Despite McLaren`s strong car performance for the third consecutive race weekend, this result provides them with food for thought.
Horner: Verstappen is the Best in the World
Horner commented, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement. He believes that unlocking further potential in their car will position them strongly in the championship battle.
`This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.`
He highlighted Verstappen`s exceptional weekend performance, stating, `That was one of Max`s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.`
Horner added that Red Bull is dedicated to providing Verstappen with a car that allows him to maximize his abilities. `We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.`
He noted Verstappen`s motivational impact on the team and acknowledged the car`s limitations, stating, `He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.`
Verstappen`s ability to win races even without the fastest car last season, securing a significant points lead over his rivals, highlights his racing prowess.
When asked about his expectations for consistent competitiveness moving forward, Verstappen acknowledged the need for further improvements. `I don`t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.`
He emphasized the team`s ambition for continuous improvement to strengthen their title contention. `We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.`
Norris Unsurprised by Verstappen`s Victory
Lando Norris anticipates a season-long battle with Verstappen and expressed no surprise at his rival`s impressive performance in Japan.
Norris stated, `I don`t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don`t think I ever have been. I don`t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.`
He acknowledged Verstappen`s consistent high level of performance since their early racing days together. `I know how good he`s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.`
Norris remains optimistic about McLaren`s chances throughout the season. `I still believe that we`re going to have some good races and we can go toe-to-toe and that some days he`ll come out on top and others I will.`
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged Verstappen as a significant competitor but suggested that consistently competing for the championship without the fastest car would be challenging.
Stella commented on Verstappen`s elevated performance level, stating, `When Max elevates the game so much you need to nail laps in qualifying and bring home any possible millisecond.`
Stella anticipates McLaren`s car to perform strongly in upcoming races. `Hopefully not all circuits will be this level of tyre degradation [in Japan] and other circuits we will be able to use our full potential which I think remains the best car.`
He concluded by acknowledging Verstappen`s individual impact but emphasized the importance of having the best car over a long season. `Max is making the difference himself but it is very difficult to keep up with 24 events in a season if you don`t have the best car.`
Sky Sports pundit Jacques Villeneuve cautioned Red Bull, pointing out potential challenges in warmer conditions. `Max will always be there to grab anything he can but that is a car that will suffer in the heat and become more difficult.`
