F1 News
Verstappen looks forward to Suzuka: 'It's probably different there'
- Ludo van Denderen
Max Verstappen had a disappointing weekend in Australia. The Red Bull Racing driver had to retire his car early in the race due to brake problems. It was the three-time world champion's first retirement in two years, and he is undoubtedly motivated to take sporting revenge in just under two weeks.
Max Verstappen was almost unbeatable in 2023. But once in Singapore, things suddenly did not want to work so well last time out. On the streets of Singapore Red Bull never got Verstappen's and Sergio Perez's car with the right set-up, leaving both to follow a supporting role in the race. Not for a moment did Verstappen come close to the podium, let alone victory. Who wins? Carlos Sainz.
Will history repeat itself at Suzuka?
A week later, the F1 circus arrived in Suzuka, Japan. There it would become clear whether Red Bull and Verstappen had seriously lost their way, or whether the Singapore race was an incident. It was the latter: Verstappen trashed all the competition in Japan, to cross the line gloriously, nearly 20 seconds ahead of closest pursuer Lando Norris. In 2024, history seems to be partially repeating itself: in Melbourne too, Red Bull failed to win and it was Sainz who ran away with the victory. And again, the next Grand Prix is at Suzuka.
Verstappen is looking forward to racing there, he reveals: "The temperature will probably be a bit different. But for me, Suzuka is one of my favourite circuits. So of course it's always nice to be there. Of course also with the relationship we have with Honda and Japanese fans, I always really enjoy being there," the Dutchman looks ahead.