Max Verstappen strikes back | Luxembourg word
Max Verstappen has in the duel With the superior McLaren Breaked back and confidently celebrated his first win of the season. At the Japan Grand Prix, the Dutch Formula 1 world champion held the pressure from Lando Norris (GB/on 1’423) and Oscar Piatri (from/on 2 »129), with wisely tire management and a faultless journey, the Dutcher made up for the inferiority of his Red Bull-in the end he cheered over his 64th triumph in the premier class. In the World Cup, he sent a clear sign: the defending champion is also to be expected in 2025.
« It was really hard, the McLaren hunted me, but it was great fun, I’m absolutely happy, » said Verstappen, who celebrated his fourth victory in Japan. His racing engineer Gianpiero Lambiase sparked: « That was one of the best weekends from you, an absolutely inspiring idea. »
Max Verstappen leaves the two McLaren from Lando Norris and Oscar Piatri behind. Photo: AFP
Verstappen had laid the foundation for success with a sensational round in qualifying on Saturday. There he still snatched Norris the pole position, in the race on Sunday he took advantage of this advantage ice cold. Norris and Piatri followed two and three in places, in the third race the winner was not a McLaren pilot for the first time. In the World Cup, Vice World Champion Norris remains ahead with 62 points, Verstappen, who impressively increased during the weekend, but moved up to one point.
It will be close to the pit stop
The world champion seems to be the only one who can keep up in the duel with the McLaren pilots Norris and Piatri. Verstappen « did not make a mistake » and was « absolutely at the limit, » said Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko at Sky: « Only he can. McLaren has the faster car, but Max was confident and always checked the distance. That was masterly. »
Ferrari pilot Charles Leclerc (Mon) had a clear gap of 16 seconds to the top trio as the fourth. This was followed by Mercedes drivers George Russell (GB) and Kimi Antonelli (I) Record world champion Lewis Hamilton (GB/Ferrari).
It was great fun, I’m absolutely happy.
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
Verstappen reacted at lightning speed at the start, he came into the first curve without distressing and drove out a small cushion on Norris and Piatri. It became exciting at the pit stop: Verstappen and Norris came to change the tire at the same time. The Dutch kept his way ahead, Norris rumbled through the grass next to him.
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« He pushed me out and saw me very clearly. I was already next to him, » said the Brit, Verstappen sparked against Norris left the trail of free pieces. Both demanded sanctions for each other – however, they failed to materialize.
« We have to overtake it on the track, » said Norris command stand: « You do a good job with the tires, better than him. » But as much as Norris struggled, he did not come closer to the error -free Verstappen until then. Even in the last third of the race, the Dutch had just under a second and a half second ahead, Norris failed to drive into the DRS window.
Instead, Norris had to defend himself against Piatri, who was now sensing the chance on his 24th birthday. « I think I have the pace to attack Max, » Piatri radioed to the box, but Norris should make room. Didn’t do the Brit and secured second place behind the outstanding Verstappen.
