Max Verstappen, the winner of the race, drove a Red Bull Racing RB20 in parc ferme on April 7, 2024. The Japanese Grand Prix, which was part of the Formula 1 World Championship, took place at 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, the boss of the Red Bull Formula 1 team. This win came after Verstappen’s retirement in Australia two weeks prior, and it allowed Red Bull to secure a third 1-2 finish 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 their front row lockout, fastest lap, and fastest pit stop.
Leading up to the race, both Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez had concerns about the competitiveness of Red Bull’s long-run pace based on their practice simulations. However, Verstappen credited a series of set-up adjustments made before parc ferme conditions were enforced for improving 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 the performance of Ferrari due to uncertainties about their fuel load during Friday’s practice sessions.
Despite Verstappen’s strong start, he experienced a shift in the balance of his car from understeer to oversteer. However, the red flag on Lap 1, caused by a crash between Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo, allowed the team to make adjustments to Verstappen’s front wing angle, rectifying the issue. Horner commended the team for executing the race without any problems or complications, highlighting the different track conditions compared to Friday’s practice runs. Overall, it was a well-executed race for Red Bull.