Verstappen struggles on Friday in Japan: 'Difficult day for me'

Max Verstappen did not have the easiest of starts to the third round of the 2025 Formula One season. The Dutchman admitted in Suzuka that he still lacks confidence in his RB21.

Verstappen lacks confidence in Suzuka

"Today has been quite difficult for me," Verstappen told F1 TV after FP2.

In a chaotic session with four red flags, caused by Jack Doohan, Fernando Alonso and the grass catching fire twice, the Dutchman set the eighth fastest time in FP2. "It was quite chaotic for everyone out there with all the red flags."

However, Verstappen is mainly concerned with the RB21's performance on track. "We tried a lot of different things with the car but it seems like a lot of things are not really clicking at the moment, so it's quite difficult to put the lap down." While he only finished in P8 and behind the two Racing Bulls cars, the second 60 minutes of the day was hardly representative due drivers not having much time to complete their runs.

The Suzuka Circuit is very technical, therefore, it is important to be on good terms with the car. "You need a lot of confidence and commitment around here," according to the Dutchman. "At the moment, I don't feel like I can use that."

As a result, Verstappen admits the Austrian team and himself have to do their homework overnight. "So I still have quite a bit of work to do" he concluded.

The Japanese Grand Prix weekend will resume on Saturday with the FP3 and qualifying sessions.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder

Read also

Surprising third red flag in Japan! Grass is on fire in Suzuka!

Piastri leads Norris in FP2 with four red flags in Suzuka

Doohan's heavy crash causes Red Flag in Japan!