Max Verstappen, the race winner, drove a Red Bull Racing RB20 in the parc ferme on April 7, 2024. The Japanese Grand Prix, which was part of the Formula 1 World Championship, took place in Suzuka, Japan. Verstappen’s victory was made possible by a modification to the front wing during a red flag period, as revealed by Christian Horner, team principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team. This win came after Verstappen’s retirement in Australia two weeks earlier and allowed Red Bull to secure a third 1-2 in the first four races of the season, extending their lead in the championship over Ferrari. Horner expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the front row lockout, fastest lap, and fastest pit stop.
Prior to the race, both Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez were concerned about the competitiveness of the Red Bull’s long run pace based on their practice simulations. However, Verstappen credited a series of adjustments made before parc ferme conditions were imposed to improve the car’s performance. Horner acknowledged the positive impact of these changes and the potential influence of the warmer conditions during the race. He also mentioned that it was difficult to accurately assess Ferrari’s performance due to uncertainties about fuel loads during Friday’s practice sessions.
Malgré le bon départ de Verstappen, il a connu un changement d’équilibre de sa voiture, passant du sous-virage au survirage. Cependant, le drapeau rouge au tour 1, causé par un accident entre Alex Albon et Daniel Ricciardo, a permis à l’équipe d’ajuster l’angle de l’aileron avant de Verstappen, corrigeant le problème. Horner a félicité l’équipe pour avoir mené la course sans problème ni complication, soulignant les différentes conditions de piste par rapport aux essais du vendredi. Dans l’ensemble, ce fut une course bien exécutée pour Red Bull.
