Max Verstappen probably produced one of the best weekends of his F1 career to win the Japanese Grand Prix-so the four-time world champion has sent McLaren a warning that this year’s title race could be at least a three-way war?
McLaren entered the weekend as strong favorites due to the nature of the appearance of Suzuka, which, on paper, will suit their car.
They also won the opening of two season races in Australia and China, with a two-two prevailing in the latter, showing a great race rate on both Grands Prix.
But Verstappen drew Paul’s position with a record record of Suzuka before keeping McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the race to cut Norris’s lead in the rankings in one point after three rounds.
Red Bull team director Christian Horner called Verstappen “Inch Perfect” while securing his first victory of the year after finishing the second and fourth in Australia and China respectively.
The result gives McLaren something to think, despite the woking -based dress that has the fastest car on the network for a third -success weekend of the race.
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Sky F1 Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big points of conversation by the Japanese Grand Prix
Horner: Verstappen is currently the best driver in the world
Horner said: “This weekend shows if you continue to work hard and never give up on anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potentials in this car, put us in the war.
“This was one of the best Max weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The tireless work was done (in qualification), but he was the perfect inch in the race.
“We’ve worked hard to give him a car that he was able to take out as much as possible and he expelled the wheels, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.
“He is like Mr. Motivator for us and there is no greater motivator than to win. We know that this car has some vices and we know where to improve.”
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Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive, but the fear that he will be briefly against Mclarens Carter Car
Verstappen won numerous competitions last year, where he did not have the fastest car which proved important after finishing 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.
Asked if he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with the next week’s Grand Prix, the Dutch said, “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it shows that if we really nail everything, we can be there.
“We want to be better than ever to be there up. Hopefully we continue to improve the car and unlock a little more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”
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Verstappen and Lando Norris collided out of the pit, with the McLaren driver left in the bar in a battle for position
Norris: Verstappen’s triumph is not a surprise
Norris expects a battle with Verstappen all year long and was not shocked by the stunning performance of his rival in Japan.
McLaren’s driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I’ve ever been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what’s capable of doing max.
“I know how good it was when we shook hands again in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.
This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch lion that is Max Verstappen. You are illegal of him and you lose the race. This should be for the first operational error and the lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what movement from the max.
“I still believe we will have some good races and we can go with your toes and that some days he will come out on top and others I will.
McLaren team director Andrea Stella admits that Verstappen is a threat to his team, but he thinks it will be difficult for the royal world champion to compete throughout the season if he is not in the fastest car.
Stella said: “When Max exalts the game so much, you need to nail laps in the qualification and bring home possible milliseconds.
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Look at the winning moment while Verstappen claimed the victory in Suzuka
“Hopefully not all circles will be this level of tire degradation (in Japan) and other circles we will be able to use our full potential, which I think remains the best car.
“Max is making the difference yourself, but it’s very difficult to continue with 24 events in a season if you don’t have the best car.”
Sky Sports Pundit – and the 1997 world champion – Jacques Villeneu also offered a careful word to Red Bull, adding: “Max will always be there to grab everything he can, but this is a car that will suffer in heat and get harder.”
Formula 1 continues her triple head in Sakhir for Bahrain’s Grand Prix next weekend on April 11-13, live in Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with now – without contract, cancel at any time
