As Formula 1 gears up for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, there`s considerable anticipation, especially around Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda`s promotion to Red Bull.
Tsunoda acknowledged the heightened pressure in a recent interview, stating it`s potentially the most pressure he`ll face in his career. He emphasized the challenge of quickly adapting to perform well at Suzuka.
While attention is focused on Tsunoda at Red Bull and Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, questions arise: Can McLaren secure a third consecutive victory? Or will Max Verstappen, in Red Bull`s final year with Honda power units, clinch a fourth win in their special Honda-tribute livery?
The weather forecast for the weekend predicts mild and sunny conditions for Friday with a high of 15°C, cloud cover on Saturday, and rain showers expected on Sunday with temperatures up to 19°C.
Latest News
- Red Bull will feature a special white livery at the Japanese Grand Prix as a tribute to engine partner Honda.
- Reports suggest Verstappen is displeased with the driver swap, replacing Lawson with Tsunoda.
- Sergio Pérez has voiced his support for Tsunoda, believing he possesses the right mindset to partner Verstappen at Red Bull.
- Alex Albon of Thai nationality is actively promoting the possibility of a Formula 1 race in Thailand.
- Listen to the latest episode of ESPN’s F1 podcast for a race preview from Suzuka.
Circuit Stats and History
Suzuka debuted on the Formula 1 calendar in 1987 and has since hosted almost every Japanese Grand Prix. Its unique figure-eight layout is a favorite among drivers and fans.
Prior to Suzuka, Fuji Speedway hosted the F1 races in Japan in 1976 and 1977, and again for two years during McLaren`s period of dominance in 2007 and 2008.
The Japanese Grand Prix`s move from October to April aims to group races geographically for sustainability. This new April date coincides with Japan`s cherry blossom season.
Japanese Grand Prix Facts
- First Race: 1987
- Laps: 53 laps of 5.8km, Total race distance 307.4km
- Lap Record: 1:30.983 Lewis Hamilton (2019)
- Most Wins: Michael Schumacher (6), Lewis Hamilton (5 current grid), Max Verstappen (3 current grid), Fernando Alonso (2 current grid)
- Most Poles: Michael Schumacher (8), Lewis Hamilton (4 current grid), Max Verstappen (3 current grid)
- Special Features: Unique figure-eight layout, legendary corners, enthusiastic Japanese fans.
- Driver`s Perspective: Suzuka is demanding and perfectly suited for Formula 1 cars.
- Best Viewing Spots: Turns 1, 2, and 3, offering views of challenging corner combinations and opening lap action.
Last Year`s Race Summary
In the previous year, Red Bull achieved a one-two finish, with Verstappen securing his third consecutive victory from pole position at Suzuka, ahead of teammate Perez and Carlos Sainz.
A red flag caused by a collision between Daniel Ricciardo and Albon briefly paused the race but didn`t affect Verstappen`s lead.
Race Predictions
McLaren enters as a strong favorite, having won the first two races of the season.
Oscar Piastri, after his China victory, is in excellent form and is tipped to potentially outperform teammate Lando Norris and win at Suzuka.
Championship Standings Overview
The championships are closely contested early in the season, with significant potential for shifts over the remaining 22 races.
Norris currently leads the drivers` championship with 44 points, followed by Verstappen. George Russell is closely behind Verstappen. The pressure is on Verstappen and Red Bull to maintain competitiveness as Tsunoda integrates into the team.
In the constructors` championship, McLaren leads Mercedes. They are the only team with race wins this season.
