Max Verstappen delivered a weekend performance for the ages at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing a victory that begs the question: has the reigning four-time world champion signaled a genuine three-way title battle with McLaren?
McLaren entered the race weekend as favorites, given Suzuka`s track configuration, which appeared to favor their car`s strengths.
McLaren previously demonstrated formidable race pace, winning the first two races in Australia and China, achieving a dominant 1-2 finish in the latter.
However, Verstappen snatched pole position with a record-breaking Suzuka lap. He then successfully defended his lead against McLaren`s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the race, reducing Norris`s championship lead to a mere point after three rounds.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described Verstappen`s performance as `inch perfect,` celebrating his first victory of the season after prior finishes of second and fourth in Australia and China, respectively.
This result presents McLaren with a significant challenge, despite the team from Woking seemingly possessing the fastest car for the third consecutive race weekend.
Horner: Verstappen is Currently the World`s Best Driver
Horner commented, `This weekend proves that relentless hard work and unwavering determination can achieve anything. Unlocking more of this car`s potential will position us firmly in the title fight.`
`Max`s performance this weekend was exemplary. Undeniably, he is the best driver in the world right now. He was flawless in the race, particularly after a strong qualifying session.`
`We`ve worked diligently to provide him with a car that allows him to maximize his abilities, and he drove it to its absolute limit. His precision, especially in the final chicane, was decisive.`
`He`s a huge motivator for the team, and nothing motivates more than winning. We are aware of this car`s limitations and are focused on areas for improvement.`
Verstappen secured multiple victories last season even when his car wasn`t the fastest, a crucial factor in his championship win, finishing 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 ahead of Piastri.
When asked about consistently competing at the front, starting with the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen stated, `I don`t believe so definitively. We still have areas to refine. However, this result demonstrates that when we execute flawlessly, we can contend at the top.`
`Our ambition is to be more than just occasional contenders. We need to continue enhancing the car to unlock greater speed. To truly compete for the title, we require further advancements.`
Norris: Verstappen`s Victory Was Expected
Norris anticipates a season-long duel with Verstappen and expressed no surprise at his rival`s exceptional performance in Japan.
The McLaren driver remarked, `Max`s performance is never surprising. I`ve always been aware of his capabilities. I don`t need reminders of what Max is capable of achieving.`
`I recognize his exceptional talent since our early karting days. He has always been this good.`
`I remain confident in our ability to have strong races and compete closely. Some days he may prevail, and on others, I will.`
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledges Verstappen as a threat but believes sustained championship contention will be challenging for the reigning champion without the outright fastest car.
Stella noted, `When Max elevates his performance, precision in qualifying and extracting every possible millisecond becomes paramount.`
`Hopefully, not all circuits will impose this degree of tire degradation as seen in Japan. On other tracks, we anticipate fully leveraging our car`s potential, which I still believe is the benchmark.`
`Max`s individual brilliance is evident, but maintaining a championship challenge across 24 races without the best car is exceedingly difficult.`
Sky Sports analyst and 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve offered a cautionary note for Red Bull, adding, `Max will consistently capitalize on every opportunity, but this car might struggle in warmer conditions and become more challenging.`
Formula 1`s triple-header continues in Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix next weekend on April 11-13, live on Sky Sports F1.
