SUZUKA, Japan — It was perfection. Magical. Inspirational. Any word used to describe Max Verstappen`s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix – and there were many superlatives throughout the weekend – it was truly something special.
While Sunday`s race might not be remembered as a classic, Verstappen`s weekend performance was exceptional. His win was built on an incredible qualifying lap that secured pole position ahead of McLaren on Saturday, followed by his signature pace and unwavering composure on Sunday, keeping the McLarens at bay despite suggestions they might have the fastest car.
Speaking on the radio after the race, engineer Gianpiero Lambiase perfectly summarized Verstappen`s drive: “That`s perfection. Just perfection, Max. Fantastic.” It was hard to disagree. Except for a brief period during pit stops and a close moment with Lando Norris exiting the pits, Verstappen controlled the race from the front. Red Bull`s Christian Horner called the champion`s performance “inspirational” in his congratulatory message.
This victory moved Verstappen within a point of Norris in the championship standings after three races. This is particularly impressive considering McLaren`s pace this season and Red Bull`s ongoing challenges with their RB21 car. The weekend further cemented Verstappen`s reputation as someone who can achieve extraordinary results with the machinery he has.
Undisputed Dominance
Leading up to the Japanese Grand Prix, focus was on Red Bull`s decision to give Verstappen his third teammate in four races, with Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson. Lawson became the latest to struggle in the second Red Bull seat, finishing last in both races in China. Tsunoda showed good pace early in the weekend, close to Verstappen in practice, but a poor lap in qualifying put him further down the grid.
Verstappen’s sensational pole lap in Q3 highlighted the difference between the teammates. Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, watched in awe as Verstappen`s lap unfolded and put him top of the timing sheets.
“He`s an outstanding driver. He proves it every weekend,” Alonso said. “Hats off to him. His lap today was purely down to him. The car isn`t at a level to fight for pole or top five, but he delivers magical laps and weekends. He`s the best right now, the benchmark, and we must improve to reach his level.”
Verstappen`s exceptional talent has been evident since his Formula 1 debut. His ability to push every car to its limit has become increasingly clear. In 2024, despite a dominant start, his championship relied on consistent points as Red Bull faced challenges. Teammates have struggled to match him.
Red Bull`s car design philosophy might be simplified as: “If Verstappen can drive it, we`ll build it.” This has brought four drivers` championships. However, the RB20 became difficult to handle, even for Verstappen. Sergio Pérez`s performance declined, and Red Bull lost the constructors` title, though Verstappen secured his fourth individual title with wins like Brazil.
The true performance of the RB21 remains debated, as the lack of a benchmark from the second car makes it hard to judge. The driver vs. machine debate continues in Formula 1. Some believe the Red Bull is better than perceived. Regardless, Red Bull recognized Verstappen`s exceptional weekend performance.
“It was one of Max`s best weekends,” said Horner. “We changed the car setup significantly. He worked with the team, and we gave him a car he could use in Q3 for a stunning lap and convert into a victory. He`s now one point behind in the championship, demonstrating why he`s No. 1.”
Verstappen`s podium, alongside McLaren drivers, reflected the respect he commands. When asked if his performance with the RB21 felt special, Verstappen said: “Yes, it does. I care, even though it`s not been the easiest start. We`re not where we want to be performance-wise. But this weekend was really nice.”
“I ignore positives and negatives and focus on my performance, working and grinding.”
A Three-Way Championship Battle?
In three races, three different drivers won from pole: Norris in Australia, Piastri in China, and Verstappen in Japan. They shared the Suzuka podium. Norris dismissed talk of McLaren having an unbeatable car, seeing Verstappen as a key rival.
McLaren`s Andrea Stella acknowledged Verstappen`s high level, requiring them to “nail laps in qualifying and bring home every millisecond.”
Verstappen`s ability to stay in the fight is a major storyline, especially if Red Bull improves their car like McLaren did last year. Alonso recalled his 2012 season, narrowly missing a title with a slower car. “I don`t know,” Alonso said, “I`ve fought for titles with the fourth-fastest car. It`s hard. He`s won four titles, so he can fight with a less competitive car, but it`s tough. People don`t realize how perfect you must be every weekend. He reminds me of 2012. I hope he can win.”
McLaren`s internal fight will benefit Verstappen. Piastri`s improved performance creates potential tension with Norris, which rivals can exploit. For Verstappen, this could be a chance for a fifth title, car improvements or not.
Asked about a three-way fight, Verstappen said: “I don`t know. It`s a long season. Many things can happen. I just focus on maximizing performance, that`s all I can control.”
Verstappen`s greatness speaks for itself: understated, relentless, and undeniable.
