After a two-year Corona break, Formula 1 is back in Japan. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has his world championship chance in his own hands this time.
Max Verstappen comes to Japan with a lot of frustration. His botched seventh place in Singapore annoyed the Red Bull star, who missed his first chance at the World Cup in Asia. Now it’s back to a course where the 25-year-old has never won.
“I don’t really think much about it,” said Verstappen about his World Cup chance. For the first time he can manage to become two-time world champion on the traditional course on his own. The location is special because Red Bull’s engine partner is based in Suzuka. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s an incredible track and there are incredible fans”, said Verstappen.
How does Max Verstappen become world champion again in Suzuka?
If the Dutchman wins on Sunday (7.00 a.m./live ticker on sportschau.de) on the traditional circuit and also turns the fastest race lap, he will be champion for the second time. In general, Verstappen secures the title in the 15th round of the season if he scores eight points more than second Charles Leclerc and six points more than teammate Sergio Perez. Then the Dominator would have a total of 112 points ahead.
With this value, Leclerc could only equalize on points, which is of little use to him, since Verstappen would also stay ahead in this case due to the higher number of wins this season. Even if Verstappen does not win, he can become world champion again if he is far behind the competition.
What’s in it for the German drivers?
As a four-time race winner, Sebastian Vettel is an expert for Suzuka, only in Singapore did the Hessian win more often. In eighth place, the 35-year-old just before retiring in Singapore picked up World Championship points again, and that should also be the goal in Japan. At the last event in 2019, the man from Heppenheim raced to pole position in his Ferrari and finished second.
“I’ve always loved the track, it stands out”, said Vettel. And further: “The atmosphere and the attention that the sport gets here is crazy.”
It will be a premiere for Mick Schumacher in the Haas. The 23-year-old used to accompany his father Michael to Suzuka, and for the first time he is driving on the track himself – and is hoping for rain. “Our car usually works best in the wet”, said Schumacher. In the struggle for a new Formula 1 contract, patience is still required for Mick Schumacher.
Exciting course, euphoric fans
The nearly six-kilometer circuit in Mie Prefecture on the Japanese main island of Honshu is considered one of the most difficult and the most popular among drivers. Five high-speed bends right in the first sector demand everything from man and machine, and after that it’s hardly more leisurely. The circuit, built by Honda in 1962, is laid out in the shape of an eight, with the drivers crossing a bridge once per lap.
Team boss Günther Steiner from the US racing team Haas is also looking forward to the race weekend with great anticipation. “It’s a cool circuit and the fans are very passionate”, said the South Tyrolean. Hardly any driver should leave Japan without something homemade, greetings or stuffed animals.
The polite Japanese Formula 1 fans wait for hours in front of entrances and exits or at hotels to see their heroes live, to take a picture or simply to give them a small gift. After two years without a Grand Prix, the longing is particularly great. The drivers are also looking forward to a course that promises fun and a special challenge for many of them.
Budget review only on Monday
The publication of an expert opinion on a cost cap review in Formula 1 that has been going on for months is still a dominant topic. Has Red Bull exceeded the budget cap introduced in 2021? If so, there is even a risk of Max Verstappen losing the world title.
The report was actually expected to be published this Wednesday. Now he should be presented next Monday. “The analysis of the submitted financial data is a lengthy and complex process that is still ongoing”, said an FIA spokesman.