Verstappen has a clear goal for Japan GP: 'This would mean a lot!'

06:02, 06 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

After an impressive performance in qualifying, Max Verstapppen will start from pole position at the Japanese GP. The Dutchman sees a tough fight ahead against the McLarens.

Verstappen looks ahead to the Japanese GP

"It's always very nice," Verstappen said about his lap that earned him pole position.

"Yesterday was really enjoyable for us. Just a lot of fun to be driving here in general and in qualifying. So, excited for the day ahead and hopefully, of course, we can have a strong result today."

The defending world champion's car has a special livery this weekend, honouring Red Bull Racing's final Japanese GP together with Honda. "It would mean a lot [to win here], but we have to stay realistic. It's going to be a tough fight today to try and stay in the lead anyway, but we'll try our best and have fun out there."

Lining up alongside the Dutchman will be Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri will start from P3. Talking about his rivals, Verstappen explained they are focused on themselves today.

"Just try and do our own race, to be honest. Just really try and use the strengths of the car and see how far we're going to get."

Tsunoda puts 'learning phase away'

Yuki Tsunoda is completing his debut weekend for Red Bull Racing at his home Grand Prix. In front of his crowd, the driver said: "[I'm] very honoured. Like everything came very together like this moment, you can't imagine."

"65th anniversary for Honda, last corporation year for Red Bull and Honda. So very happy that I was able to jump into the car in this such a beautiful moment and hopefully I can have a good race day."

Tsunoda is set to start from P14 on the grid, after a challenging qualifying session. "I'm just going to pause for the learning phase now. I just got to push flat out," he underlined.

"Obviously, I need to score points. It won't be easy. And I think so far I have pretty good progress in terms of learning. So, yes, I just have to put it all together in the race. With this kind of tricky weather anything can happen. So, yeah, I just want to finish the race and be happy."

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder