Max Verstappen, the winner of the race, celebrated his victory on the podium at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Formula 1 World Championship event took place on April 7, 2024, at Suzuka, Japan.
Verstappen has responded to Toto Wolff’s claims that he will win the 2024 Formula 1 title, following his third win in four races. Since the introduction of ground effect cars, Red Bull Racing has been the dominant force in the sport, winning all but two races in the previous season.
Although Verstappen led Red Bull to 1-2 finishes 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. However, he made a remarkable comeback at Suzuka, starting from pole position and securing a commanding victory. Sergio Perez’s performance also contributed to Red Bull’s success in gaining maximum points.
Verstappen expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating that it took a few laps to adjust to the car’s performance. However, he credited the team for making significant changes to the car before qualifying, which ultimately improved his driving experience. The adjustments made during the first stint of the race further enhanced 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 sessions. However, the team made undisclosed changes that significantly improved the car’s balance and handling. 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 setup changes, Verstappen emphasized the importance of constantly seeking areas for improvement. 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 step 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 the fans and the presence of Honda. Verstappen acknowledged that the previous race in Melbourne was a setback, but he expressed his determination to perform well and win in every race.
Despite his consistent pole positions and current lead in the standings, Verstappen dismissed the notion that he is guaranteed to retain 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 their performance is not as strong, but they will aim to maximize their points in those races as well.