Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, hailed Max Verstappen’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix as one of his best performances, describing it as a remarkable display of control and execution. The race at Suzuka showcased Verstappen’s skill, particularly in securing pole position with an outstanding lap on Saturday. Despite the challenges faced with their car’s setup, Red Bull’s meticulous adjustments allowed Verstappen to lead the race from the front and hold off the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished in second and third, respectively.
Horner emphasized that the team had to fundamentally alter their car’s setup, making significant adjustments to aspects such as ride heights, weight distribution, wing levels, and roll bars. These changes were crucial in providing Verstappen with a car that was finally manageable and suited to the demanding conditions of Suzuka. His pole-winning lap was described as stunning, and he followed it up with a hard-fought race victory. Horner expressed immense pride in how Verstappen delivered the result, underscoring his belief that the Dutchman is the best driver on the grid.
The victory at Suzuka was Verstappen’s fourth consecutive win at the Japanese Grand Prix, continuing his dominance at the circuit. While Red Bull had faced difficulties in the opening races of the season, with McLaren showing superior pace, Verstappen’s performances have kept him in close contention for the championship. Despite the challenges, he has consistently delivered strong results, with second-place finishes in Australia and fourth in China, leaving him just one point behind Norris in the standings. This outcome was unanticipated after McLaren’s dominant win in the season opener in Melbourne, showing how quickly the dynamics in the championship have shifted.
Horner acknowledged that the team has been pushing the boundaries in terms of car adjustments and development, striving to optimize the performance within a very narrow operating window. While the team’s car has been difficult to manage, particularly in the early rounds, the relentless work to improve has been paying off. Horner remained optimistic about the remainder of the season, noting that with 21 races still to come, the key to success will be maximizing every opportunity. He stated that despite McLaren currently having the fastest car, Red Bull was still in contention, and he was confident that further improvements to the RB21 could make them a serious title contender.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, offered praise to Verstappen and Red Bull for their impressive performance but maintained that McLaren’s car still had the upper hand in terms of raw speed. He acknowledged that to beat Red Bull, McLaren would need to perform at their highest level and be consistent throughout the season. Although McLaren finished with both Norris and Piastri on the podium, Stella noted that securing second and third positions was still a solid outcome, even if they felt the win was within reach.
Stella also discussed the team’s strategy, particularly the decision not to have Norris yield to Piastri in the race, which had been a subject of some debate. He believed that even though McLaren didn’t win, finishing in the top two positions was a valuable result. Looking forward, Stella emphasized the importance of ensuring that the team capitalizes on every opportunity to continue delivering strong performances and challenge for the championship.
As the season progresses, it is clear that both Red Bull and McLaren will need to keep evolving their strategies and car development to stay ahead in a highly competitive field. With several races still to go, the fight for the title is wide open, and both teams are determined to make the most of every opportunity.
