Japanese F1 GP: They said it was the car – then Suzuka happened

Doubters, naysayers, and detractors have been a staple in Formula 1 for as long as the sport has existed.

Now, in contemporary times, these voices are louder and more noticeable, thanks to social media.
The critics have been especially vocal lately about Max Verstappen’s genuine ability.

They express doubt about his talent.

They claim he is only capable of winning in a dominant car.

The question is simple for all those who hold this opinion—what say you now?

In the second half of 2024, it was clear that the Red Bull car had started to lose steam.

McLaren not only closed the gap but also moved slightly ahead.

This was unquestionably underlined by McLaren winning the Constructor’s Championship and starting 2025 as red-hot favourites for both titles.

Meanwhile, Red Bull, even outside of their difficult car, hasn’t done much to inspire great confidence. The second-driver debacle rages on.

Key team personnel are seeking opportunities elsewhere. Verstappen is rumoured to be off to either Mercedes or Aston Martin at the end of the season.

This weekend was different. All the dramas seemed to disappear. The controversies and struggles vanished with one majestic sweep of Max Verstappen’s steering wheel.

There wouldn’t have been many who would have bet on Verstappen even featuring in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

They would not have been at fault. Red Bull’s lacklustre performances in the first two race weekends of the year explained their doubts. But Verstappen has always had something special with Suzuka.

This is the place where he made his free practice debut as a 16-year-old.

He has dominated here during the last three F1 visits.

In true champion fashion, he delivered a stunning lap to take pole ahead of both McLarens.

It’s no secret that pole position at a track like Suzuka is a big deal.

The circuit is tight, twisty, and difficult to overtake on.

Being in P1 means that the pace can be controlled. Tyres can be looked after. The strategy can be dictated—up to a point.

McLaren had both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri virtually glued to the Red Bull’s gearbox for most of the race. Still, they failed to capitalise.

Instead, both cars were pitted within a lap of each other. The team was unwilling to try an innovative strategy. They did not put pressure on Verstappen. This is what cost them the win.

While McLaren did win the 2024 Constructor’s Championship, they aren’t yet the well-oiled machine of Red Bull. There is hesitancy, and perhaps a lack of either creativity or boldness on the pit wall.
They need to resolve this soon.

Verstappen proved this weekend that he is not to be counted out. It’s a striking enigma. Red Bull has the best driver but not the best car.

McLaren has the best car but drivers slightly behind Verstappen. They also have a team that isn’t always capable of maximising every opportunity. It’s a tantalising prospect for the rest of the season.

As it stands, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive win in Japan, with Norris and Piastri completing the podium.

Aside from Verstappen’s stupendously impressive drive, the race itself wasn’t a barnstormer.

Ferrari still seems slightly off the pace. Charles Leclerc finished a distant fourth. He was ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, who came in fifth. Kimi Antonelli had a long first stint. This stint made him the youngest driver ever to lead a Grand Prix.

He eventually finished sixth. Yet, for all that, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari foray isn’t quite clicking yet, with the 7-time champion coming home in seventh.

Isack Hadjar drove an impressive race to finish eighth for Racing Bulls, while Alex Albon claimed ninth for Williams. Another rookie, Ollie Bearman, rounded off the top ten for Haas. It wasn’t quite the dream start at Red Bull for Yuki Tsunoda, who crossed the finish line in twelfth. Remarkably, the entire race went completely without incident—no yellow flags, no retirements.

Given that everyone agrees the Red Bull isn’t near the quickest car on the grid, Verstappen’s drive borders on virtuosic. It was stellar in every sense of the word and a striking reminder to any who doubt his superlative talents.