Max Verstappen, the race winner, celebrated his victory on the podium of the Japanese Grand Prix. The event of the Formula 1 World Championship took place on April 7, 2024, in Suzuka, Japan.
Verstappen responded to Toto Wolff’s statements that he will win the Formula 1 title in 2024, after his third victory in four races. Since the introduction of ground effect cars, Red Bull Racing has been the dominant force in the sport, winning all races except two in the previous season.
Although Verstappen led Red Bull to a 1-2 finish in the first two races of this season, his championship lead was compromised in Australia due to a brake issue that forced him to retire from the race. However, he made a remarkable comeback in Suzuka, starting from pole position and securing a dominant victory. Sergio Perez’s performance also contributed to Red Bull’s success in maximizing points.
Verstappen expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating that it took a few laps to adapt to the car’s performance. However, he credited the team for making significant changes to the car before qualifying, which improved his driving experience. Adjustments made during the first stint of the race further increased his comfort and allowed him to push when needed and conserve his tires. Verstappen felt competitive on both the Medium and Hard tire compounds.
Despite securing pole position, Verstappen initially had concerns about the race pace of the Red Bull car during practice. However, the team made undisclosed changes that significantly improved the balance and drivability of the car. Verstappen acknowledged that he cannot provide specific details about the modifications, but they ultimately made the car more enjoyable to drive and increased his control.
When asked about the changes in the setup, Verstappen emphasized the importance of constantly seeking areas for improvements. He highlighted that the team’s decision to alter the car’s configuration resulted in better grip, which played a crucial role in his success.
Verstappen stated that his return to the top of the podium in Japan was not a “relief”, but rather a satisfying victory. He emphasized the importance of winning in Japan, considering the strong support from fans and the presence of Honda. Verstappen acknowledged that the previous race in Melbourne was a setback, but expressed his determination to perform well and win in each race.
Despite his consistent pole positions and current lead in the standings, Verstappen dismissed the idea that he is guaranteed to keep his title. He referred to positive comments made by Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, but emphasized that the season is still long and he prefers to focus on one race at a time. Verstappen acknowledged that there may be tracks where his performance is not as strong, but they will seek to maximize their points in those races as well.
