After the Easter weekend break, Formula 1 is back for the fourth round of the championship. It’s the Japanese GP, at the traditional Suzuka circuit, so the schedule will require European fans to get up (very) early.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) leads the World Championship with just four points more than Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). The Dutchman was dominant in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but in Australia he did not have a clear supremacy and even suffered his first retirement in about two years. Now, he arrives in Japan seeking revenge.
Ferrari made a one-two in Melbourne, with Carlos Sainz winning ahead of Leclerc. However, the Scuderia urges calm in spirits, as it is not certain that they will continue to be able to beat Red Bull in Suzuka. The other driver of the Red Bull team, Sergio Pérez, tries to return to victory after two podiums in three races to start the year.
McLaren is also showing strength with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, having had at least one of their drivers in the top four in the last two rounds. The Woking team currently seems to be the main rival of Mercedes in the fight to be the third force in the pack. The Germans arrive in Japan with the intention of returning to the points, after the retirements of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in Australia.
There is also curiosity to see what Aston Martin can do, as Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll continue to be unable to enter the podium fight this year. Yuki Tsunoda competes at home for the Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, seeking to continue the momentum started in Australia with his first points of the year.
Reasons of interest for the Japanese GP are not lacking, with some questions and answers to be given. Stay tuned for the complete schedule below (by the time of Continental Portugal).
Friday, April 5
03:30-04:30: Free Practice 1
07:00-08:00: Free Practice 2
Saturday, April 6
03:30-04:30: Free Practice 3
07:00-08:00: Qualifying
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Sunday, April 7
06:00: Race
