Verstappen confident Suzuka can "bring out the best" of Red Bull

12:30, 01 Apr

byEwan Gale

Max Verstappen is hoping a return to Suzuka for Formula 1's Japanese Grand Prix will "bring out the best" of Red Bull's RB21.

The Dutchman failed to mount a challenge for victory at the Chinese Grand Prix last time out as the Red Bull struggled to match the race-winning McLaren and the Mercedes of George Russell, despite finishing second to Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari in the sprint.

That result followed a season-opening second behind last year's main title rival Lando Norris in Australia, where a safety car allowed four-time champion Verstappen to overcome a 15-second gap to the McLarens.

Verstappen looks ahead to GP Japan

Verstappen has won the previous three Japanese races and ahead of the third race of the season, he said: "Suzuka has always been a special circuit to race at with a lot of history for us, especially winning the constructors’ championship in 2023 and my second drivers’ championship here too.

"Of course, it is Yuki [Tsunoda’s] first race with the Team in front of his home crowd, so it will be a busy race to welcome him to the team! We have a special white Japan livery this week that is a tribute to Honda, which looks cool, and I am also racing in my white Japan helmet, inspired by the livery.

"Looking back to China, on the second stint the performance was a lot more promising, and we were seeing a lot more pace in the car. The team has been working hard to optimise our performance and I have been back at the factory on the sim this week too.

"I always enjoy racing at this track: it has a lot of high-speed corners and one we typically race well at, so hopefully we can bring out the best of the car and improve here this weekend."