Japanese Grand Prix: Key Discussion Points

The Formula 1 season has started with plenty of excitement both on and off the track in the first two races.

As we head to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, let`s examine some of the main topics for round three…

McLaren`s Internal Battle: Norris vs Piastri

After two races, there have been two different winners.

McLaren`s strong performance in pre-season testing has carried over into the start of the 2025 season, establishing them as a leading team, despite their attempts to downplay expectations.

The reigning constructors` champions have achieved back-to-back victories for the first time since 2003. They could have even secured two one-two finishes if not for Oscar Piastri`s spin in the wet conditions in Melbourne.

However, Piastri responded strongly in Shanghai, outperforming Lando Norris during the Sprint weekend and closing the gap to his teammate in the early championship standings by reducing it to 10 points from 13.

While Max Verstappen and George Russell are positioned between the McLaren drivers in the standings, early indications suggest that Norris and Piastri are the ones to watch in the title race this season.

With both Norris and Piastri securing a win each, questions are being raised about how they and McLaren will manage a potential head-to-head battle for the championship as the season progresses and pressure intensifies.

Norris mentioned after a race that they were both “nervous but excited” about this possibility. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that while they have been preparing for this situation, adapting to evolving circumstances will be necessary.

Stella stated that in Formula 1, it`s presumptuous to claim complete readiness for such challenges. He emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation in team management, similar to performance, reliability, and operations.

Another close contest between the two McLaren drivers is anticipated at Suzuka, a circuit where McLaren has performed well in previous seasons even when Red Bull was dominant. The upcoming races in Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia will provide insights into which other teams can keep pace with McLaren.

Red Bull`s Driver Line-up and Performance Questions

While McLaren might view managing two title-contending drivers as a positive challenge, Red Bull is currently facing more immediate and significant issues.

These issues include improving the performance and handling of their RB21 car and resolving the uncertainties surrounding their second driver seat.

After just two challenging weekends for Liam Lawson, Red Bull`s confidence in him as the driver to step up has seemingly diminished. Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted, a move many felt was deserved earlier, especially given Sergio Perez`s struggles in the second seat in recent months.

Red Bull`s swift driver change after China was unexpected. The Japanese Grand Prix weekend at Suzuka will be particularly interesting as we hear from key figures involved – Tsunoda, Lawson, and team boss Christian Horner – about this decision.

Verstappen`s perspective will also be keenly anticipated. His social media activity, specifically a `like` on a critical post regarding the driver change, suggests he may not be entirely supportive of the situation.

It remains unclear what aspect of the decision Verstappen might disagree with. Is it the limited time given to Lawson? Or does this change introduce instability when the team should be focusing on car development for both drivers?

Furthermore, the implications of this driver swap for Verstappen`s future with the team remain an open question.

These are critical questions that are expected to be addressed this week.

Ferrari`s Need for a Strong Performance

Despite rivals acknowledging their potential, Ferrari`s season start has been underwhelming relative to pre-season expectations. They need a strong showing at Suzuka to revitalize their championship aspirations.

Ferrari was central to significant events in round two for contrasting reasons: Lewis Hamilton`s sprint race victory and the subsequent double disqualification in the Grand Prix, removing both him and Charles Leclerc from the final results.

The double disqualification, a first for Ferrari in the world championship`s 75-year history due to technical infringements, was compounded by the fact that their fifth and sixth-place finishes already indicated a disappointing race.

Hamilton was the only top-six finisher to make two pit stops for tires. While Leclerc showed better pace after a suggested team order, his improved speed was puzzling considering he had sustained front wing damage early in the race.

Ultimately, Verstappen overtook Leclerc for fourth place, and Leclerc finished 23 seconds behind race winner Piastri, before the disqualification for his car being underweight.

The double exclusion cost Ferrari 18 points, dropping them behind Williams to fifth in the constructors` standings, now 61 points behind McLaren.

Team principal Fred Vasseur, speaking before the disqualifications were announced, urged against early panic. He highlighted Leclerc’s promising race pace and the tire inconsistencies affecting all major teams in China. He emphasized the need to consistently maximize the SF-25`s performance.

Vasseur compared the gap to McLaren to their deficit to Red Bull last year after the first two races. He recalled questions about Red Bull`s potential championship win as early as June, cautioning against drawing premature conclusions.

While acknowledging McLaren`s strong form and lead, Vasseur stressed that the championship is far from decided. However, Ferrari cannot afford many more weak weekends if they intend to stay competitive with McLaren.

Suzuka: A Classic Driver`s Circuit

Although the Japanese Grand Prix`s timing in the season has shifted from its traditional position as a title-deciding race, Suzuka remains a highlight for drivers. They consistently express enthusiasm for racing at this circuit, regardless of the time of year.

Formula 1 now visits Japan during cherry blossom season, adding to the event`s appeal.

Since its first Formula 1 race in 1987, Suzuka`s 3.6-mile, 18-turn layout has remained largely unchanged.

While some aspects of other classic tracks like Spa-Francorchamps have become less challenging due to modern F1 car evolution, Suzuka continues to test drivers with demanding sections like the Esses, Degners, Spoon, and 130R.

Monaco is often considered the ultimate test of driver skill in qualifying, but Suzuka is arguably just as demanding, offering a thrilling spectacle of high-speed precision.