Verstappen not blinded by result in Japan, hopefully neither is Red Bull

Of course, there was joy for Max Verstappen and everyone within Red Bull Racing. A pole for the Japanese Grand Prix exceeds the expectations set ahead of the weekend. However, it also conceals the problems temporarily. And that is dangerous, as last year showed.

Max Verstappen and his father Jos' major criticism was that Red Bull did not take their concerns about the (re)development of the car seriously. The results, solely attributable to Verstappen, repeatedly masked how serious the underlying issues of the car actually were. Perhaps therein lies the danger once again with the pole in Suzuka.

Yes, Red Bull's management says the RB21 needs to improve, and they are working hard on it. But yes, that car manages to clinch the pole in Japan. Will team principal Christian Horner and external advisor Helmut Marko be lulled into complacency, especially if Verstappen wins the Grand Prix on Sunday? Could they believe the problem is solved?

Verstappen continues to emphasize improvements

In his conversation with the Dutch media after qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, the Verstappen of recent months resurfaced. The Verstappen who was pleased with the result, but also the Verstappen who kept stressing improvements were crucial. "I think I have been very clear with the team about what I want and how it should be," he said, quoted by Motorsport.

Max Verstappen qualified on pole in the RB21 for the Japanese Grand Prix

"Everyone is doing their best and trying to make the most of it. That's not the issue. But in the meantime, others have made bigger strides." Because the car still needs to be better, much better, as Verstappen realizes. One pole doesn't change that. But can Red Bull actually make the strides that Verstappen desires? "Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether I have a lot of confidence or not. Those strides simply need to happen. That's what it's all about."

Verstappen himself will not be blinded by that one, amazing lap on one of his favorite circuits. The Dutchman realizes that, at this moment, a sublime performance from his side is needed to reach the top spot, and he emphasized that in his comments afterwards. Hopefully, Red Bull also sees that urgency, despite a moment of optimism in Japan.