Japanese Grand Prix: end of playtime or massive brawl?
After a beautiful Singapore Grand Prix, the F1 continues its tour in Asia and heads to the legendary Suzuka track. The Japanese circuit could mark the comeback of Red Bull, to the detriment of the competition.
The spectators only had one week to recover from their emotions: after Carlos Sainz’s superb victory in Singapore, Red Bull was defeated for the first time this season…and maybe the only time if everything goes back to how it was before.
The grand circus of Formula 1 sets up its tents in Suzuka this weekend and could be largely favorable to Red Bull. The Japanese track is a combination of fast curves and long straight lines. All in all, it’s the paradise on earth for the RB19s.
Max Verstappen, in particular. The Dutchman broke the record for consecutive wins and everyone wondered if he would ever be defeated. That was the case in Marina Bay. But in Suzuka, the soon-to-be triple world champion has an idea of who would be able to challenge him.
« I am keeping an eye on McLaren and especially on Lando Norris. They have done an incredible job this year and I expect them to perform well here. Of course, I still hope to outpace them in the end! » he laughs. Nothing less was expected from him.
The McLarens have shown themselves to be very efficient on high-speed circuits, such as Silverstone or Spa Francorchamps. Suzuka meets these criteria well.
Finally a group match?
Since the beginning of the season, the championship behind the Red Bull team has been very close in terms of points. And precisely, that is the challenge of this Grand Prix of Japan: a close fight on the track is possible.
Four teams have been in great shape since the beginning of the year: Aston Martin, getting back on track, Ferrari, making a comeback, as well as McLaren and Mercedes. Suzuka could provide a sensational head-to-head battle between eight cars, promising a dazzling on-track spectacle.
In the worst case scenario for them, it would be behind the Red Bulls. But in the best case, five teams could compete for the top positions!
Suzuka is a profile that often lends itself to close races. It is expected, of course, that Max Verstappen will be above the rest…but the effect of technical guidelines still needs to be confirmed. Singapore often stands as an exception due to the challenges it presents to the top cars.
The strengthening of control over the flexibility of the elements is not the first thing pointed out regarding the decline in performance of the Red Bull. However, if this case were to be contradicted, then perhaps the competition has a chance to catch up.
It is highly unlikely to see a pack race, except for a DRS train. That being said, the prospect of a victory potentially being attributed to five different teams is very much present. Provided that everyone is comfortable on the only figure-eight circuit of the season.
Will McLaren finally secure its victory? Will Ferrari confirm? Can Aston Martin come back into the game? Can Mercedes regain its former glory? Will Red Bull resume its dominance? So many questions…
Pirelli conservateur
On such a demanding circuit like Suzuka, the tires are put to the test. That’s why Pirelli has brought the least soft tires from its range, namely the C1, C2, and C3.
The rain and intermediate tires have little chance of being used, since it is forecasted to be sunny all weekend. Except maybe this Friday.
🇯🇵 #JapaneseGP preview
⚠️ High lateral and vertical loads
🧪 Two extra sets of C2 prototypes#Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/svo7lCVK3t— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 19, 2023
