SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 6: Dutch driver Max Verstappen from Oracle Red Bull Racing and British driver Lando Norris from McLaren, who qualified in third place, chat in the paddock during qualifying before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Circuit on April 6, 2024 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The Dutch driver will start the 53-lap race at the front of the grid after setting the fastest lap in Saturday’s qualifying session, with his teammate Sergio Perez joining him on the front row.
Verstappen will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance at the Australian Grand Prix, where his RB20 car suffered brake failure and had to retire on the fourth lap. This setback allowed Perez, as well as Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc, to close the gap to the Defending Champion in the Drivers’ Championship.
The RB20, designed by Newey, showed impressive speed during the qualifying laps, as Verstappen proved by securing pole position in all four races of the 2024 season so far. Perez came close this time, finishing just 0.066 seconds behind his teammate at Suzuka International Circuit.
However, Red Bull’s race pace seems to be less dominant when fuel loads are high and tire preservation becomes crucial. Despite his strong qualifying performance, Verstappen has doubts about maintaining his lead during the Sunday race.
In his post-qualifying interview, Verstappen stated: “Overall, the laps in qualifying were very good and it was a fantastic result for the team.”
“On the last lap, I tried to push harder and was making good progress in sector one, but I ran out of tires at the end and lost some time, which was a shame,” said the three-time world champion.
He also expressed concerns about the long-distance performance of his car: “We need to improve our long runs, as we were not completely satisfied with them and still feel that we can better control the balance of the car.
“It wasn’t perfect, but still securing pole position on a lap that I felt could have been better is great.
“Overall, the team has a front row start, which is an ideal way to start the race tomorrow, but I expect strong competition,” Verstappen concluded.
The Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 6am GMT (2pm local time) on Sunday, April 7.
