Max Verstappen’s flawless Suzuka victory signals McLaren faces a tough championship challenge
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
SUZUKA, Japan -- Perfection. Magical. Inspirational. No matter which superlative you choose to describe Max Verstappen's Japanese Grand Prix triumph, it was undoubtedly something special. Although Sunday's race lacked the classic excitement, Verstappen's weekend was exceptional in its own right, characterized by a dazzling qualifying lap that earned him pole position over the McLarens and a Sunday performance marked by his trademark pace and unwavering composure.
Speaking on the radio just after the chequered flag, long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase succinctly summed up Verstappen's performance: "That's perfection. Just perfection, Max. Fantastic." It was hard to disagree. Except for a brief period during the pit-stop phase and a close call with Lando Norris upon pit exit, Verstappen remained in firm control at the front. Red Bull boss Christian Horner described the four-time world champion's performance as "inspirational" in his congratulatory message during the cool-down lap.
The victory positioned Verstappen just one point behind Norris in the championship standings after three races. This is a remarkable achievement given McLaren's impressive performance this season and Red Bull's ongoing struggles with its RB21 car. Verstappen's weekend further solidified his reputation as a driver capable of extraordinary feats.
The lead-up to the Japanese Grand Prix focused on Red Bull's decision to assign Verstappen his third different teammate in just four races, with Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson. Lawson had struggled, finishing last in both the sprint and the grand prix in China. Tsunoda began the weekend positively in terms of pace but faltered with a scruffy lap in Q2, placing him lower on the grid.
The stunning pole lap by Verstappen in Q3 highlighted the contrast between the new teammates. Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion and Le Mans winner, watched in awe as Verstappen set the benchmark. "He's an outstanding driver. He's proving it every weekend," Alonso remarked. "Hats off to him. The car is not at the level to fight for the pole, but he manages to deliver magical laps and weekends."
Can Verstappen make it a three-way fight?
In the first three races, three different drivers have secured victories: Norris in Australia, Oscar Piastri in China, and Verstappen in Japan. The three men shared the podium at Suzuka. Norris had dismissed claims that McLaren had an unbeatable car as "nonsense" and acknowledged Verstappen as a formidable competitor.
"We treat Max and Red Bull like warriors," McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said on Sunday. "When Max elevates the game, you need to nail qualifying laps and bring home every possible millisecond."
Whether Verstappen can remain a contender in the championship is an intriguing storyline this season, especially if Red Bull can make improvements to their car similar to McLaren's progress last year. Asked if Verstappen could stay in the fight, Alonso, reflecting on his near-miss in the 2012 championship, commented: "I hope for him he can fight until the end, but they need to improve the car."
McLaren's internal rivalry between Norris and Piastri could also benefit Verstappen. Piastri's consistent pace and his request for a position swap with Norris in the closing stages indicate potential friction within the McLaren camp.
As has always been the case with teammates fighting for a championship, a flashpoint is inevitable. This could provide Verstappen the opportunity he needs to pursue a fifth title, regardless of Red Bull's car performance improvements.
When asked about the possibility of a three-way championship fight, Verstappen responded, "I don't know. It's a long season. What is important is to maximize your performances. That's what I'll focus on."
Verstappen's greatness speaks for itself — understated, relentless, and impossible to ignore.
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