As Formula 1 heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, the spotlight is on Red Bull`s decision to promote local driver Yuki Tsunoda. Was this the perfect moment to elevate him?
In a recent interview, Tsunoda acknowledged the immense pressure he faces at his home race, stating it`s potentially the most pressure he`ll experience in his career. He emphasized the challenge of quickly adapting to perform well at Suzuka.
While attention is focused on Tsunoda at Red Bull and Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, questions arise: Can McLaren secure their third consecutive victory? Or will Max Verstappen celebrate Red Bull`s partnership with Honda, concluding in 2025, with a fourth straight win in their special Honda-themed livery?
The weather forecast for Friday at Suzuka is mild and sunny with temperatures reaching 15°C. Saturday is expected to be cloudy, while Sunday may bring rain showers and warmer temperatures up to 19°C.
Latest News
- Red Bull will sport a special white livery for the Japanese Grand Prix as a tribute to their engine partner, Honda.
- Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor, revealed Verstappen`s displeasure with the driver swap, replacing Lawson with Tsunoda. Verstappen also showed support for Lawson by liking a social media post criticizing the decision.
- Sergio Pérez voiced his support for Tsunoda`s move to Red Bull, believing the Japanese driver possesses the right mentality to partner with Verstappen.
- Alex Albon, the Thai driver, met with Thailand`s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatraas, to further discussions about bringing Formula 1 to Thailand.
- For a race preview and the latest insights, listen to ESPN`s F1 podcast, Unlapped, featuring Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson live from Suzuka.
Circuit Stats and History
Suzuka joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1987 and has since hosted almost every Japanese Grand Prix. Its unique layout makes it a favorite among drivers and fans.
Prior to Suzuka, Fuji Speedway hosted the F1 race in 1976 and 1977, and again from 2007 to 2008 during McLaren`s period of dominance with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
The Japanese Grand Prix, traditionally held in October, was moved to April in 2024 to align with F1`s efforts to group races geographically for sustainability. This new April date coincides with Japan`s beautiful cherry blossom season, inspiring teams to incorporate floral designs into their liveries.
Japanese Grand Prix
- First race: 1987
- Laps: 53 laps of 5.8km. Total race distance 307.4km
- Lap record: 1:30.983 Lewis Hamilton (2019)
- Most wins: Michael Schumacher (6), Lewis Hamilton (5), Max Verstappen (3), Fernando Alonso (2) from current grid.
- Most poles: Michael Schumacher (8), Lewis Hamilton (4), Max Verstappen (3) from current grid.
- What makes it special: Unique figure-eight layout, legendary corners like Esses, 130R, and Degners, and passionate Japanese fans.
- Driver quote: `It`s very demanding and perfect for Formula 1 cars.` – Alonso on Suzuka.
- Best viewing spots: Turns 1, 2, and 3 for challenging corner sequences and opening lap action.
2024 Race Recap
In the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull achieved a dominant one-two finish, with Verstappen securing his third consecutive victory from pole position. He comfortably outpaced his teammate Perez and Carlos Sainz in third.
A crash involving Daniel Ricciardo and Albon led to a red flag, but it did not disrupt Verstappen`s commanding lead.
Race Predictions
Following two wins in the first two races, McLaren appears to be the team to beat for the upcoming race weekend.
Oscar Piastri, fresh off his win in China, is in excellent form and is predicted to narrow the points gap to his teammate Lando Norris by potentially winning at Suzuka.
Championship Standings
The championships are tight after the first two races, with much still to unfold over the remaining 22 races.
Norris currently leads the drivers` championship with 44 points, with Verstappen trailing by eight points. George Russell of Mercedes is just one point behind Verstappen, increasing the pressure on Verstappen to ensure Red Bull remains competitive as Tsunoda adapts to his new role.
In the constructors` championship, McLaren, the reigning world champions, lead Mercedes with 78 points and remain the only team to have secured a win this season.
