Max Verstappen is pleased with the start of the 2024 F1 round four Japanese Grand Prix weekend, but Red Bull Racing believes this competition will be tougher than their recent dominance at Suzuka. Verstappen has taken pole position and victory at the fast and flowing Suzuka circuit twice in the past, most notably in 2023, when he set the fastest qualifying time and finished almost 20 seconds ahead in the race.
Fresh from a heartbreaking retirement from the Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen set the fastest time in a dry and crisp FP1, just a few tenths ahead of teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. “I think it was a good start for us,” Verstappen said after getting out of the car. “We weren’t too unbalanced and I think that’s always a good start. But compared to last year it seems like everyone has gotten a little closer. “Obviously we couldn’t do anything in FP2, but it’s still something to consider. some things to try, but overall I’m very happy with FP1.” Asked if he was surprised by the relatively small gap, Verstappen said: “Well, overall, it’s already been one lap in the whole year. I think everyone is getting closer to the same pace.” “Obviously we don’t know what the long run pace will be yet, but I don’t expect there to be a gap like last year on this track.”
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