The current Formula 1 titleholder retired from the Australian race on the second lap due to brake failure, while his teammate Sergio Perez managed to secure fifth place despite floor damage sustained during the race. Perez also had to start from sixth position after receiving a three-place grid penalty for obstructing during qualifying.
However, there was always a belief that Ferrari, who secured first and second place in Melbourne with Carlos Sainz winning and Charles Leclerc coming in second, had the upper hand over Red Bull, especially when it came to dealing with tire wear.
Unfortunately, we will never know how the Australian Grand Prix would have unfolded due to Verstappen’s Did Not Finish (DNF), but we can eagerly anticipate another thrilling battle between the two teams this weekend in Suzuka.
Looking ahead to the upcoming race, Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for Suzuka, stating, “Suzuka is always an exceptional track to race on. As a team, we have created many special memories here over the years, including winning the Constructors’ Championship last year and my second Drivers’ Championship as well.”
He added, “It has been refreshing to have some time off with my loved ones before getting back to racing. It’s always enjoyable to spend some time in Tokyo too. The last race in Melbourne was unfortunate, but we have achieved an impressive nine consecutive race wins, so we are determined to come back even stronger this weekend.”
Verstappen emphasized the team’s confidence for Suzuka, highlighting the circuit’s iconic status and thrilling high-speed corners. He also mentioned the possibility of rain, stating the need to optimize performance in such conditions.
“I am eagerly anticipating getting back in the car and fighting for victory this weekend,” concluded Verstappen, who emerged as the winner of the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.
Perez also shared his excitement for the upcoming race in Japan, particularly noting the earlier timing in the season, which adds an element of intrigue. He expressed his love for visiting Tokyo before race week begins, praising the delicious food in Japan. He then turned his attention to Suzuka, highlighting the exciting racing it offers, particularly the iconic turn one.
Perez acknowledged that weather conditions, including the possibility of rain, can greatly impact the race. He emphasized the importance of maximizing the opportunities with the car to perfect the setup.
“The Australian race didn’t go as well as we had hoped, with the penalty and the damage sustained, but we have overcome challenges like this before. Our aim is to return to the podium this weekend,” concluded Perez.
Currently, Red Bull holds a slim four-point lead over Ferrari in the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship.