In Suzuka, McLaren drivers return to one of their favourite circuits
With one victory apiece after two races this season, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the favourites to win on a track they particularly enjoy.
After a two-week break, Formula 1 is back for an intense triple-header that will see the paddock travel across Asia from east to west. Before heading to the Middle East for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, all ten teams will stop this weekend in Japan, for one of the most beloved races among the drivers.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are among the many fans of the Suzuka Circuit. Behind the wheel of the undefeated MCL39 (outside of Sprints), the two men will once again be the pair to beat.
« I’m excited to be back in Japan. It’s one of my favorite weekends on the calendar. The fans bring such an incredible atmosphere. Suzuka is also a great track to drive, » Norris said in the team’s press release.
The championship leader took advantage of the short break to celebrate his excellent start to the season and prepare for the upcoming races.
« It was nice to have a week off after our positive start to the season. We had the chance to go back to Woking and celebrate it with everyone. I also spent some time in the simulator and with my engineers to prepare for the next three races. We learned a lot from the first two Grand Prix. Now it’s time to get back on track. »
Fresh off a dominant win in China after a frustrating weekend in front of his home crowd in Melbourne, Oscar Piastri is determined to continue his momentum — and maybe even take the championship lead from his teammate.
« Suzuka is one of the most exciting circuits on the calendar for us drivers. The 130R is legendary, the combination of high-speed corners and the fact that the layout hasn’t changed for so many years creates an incredible feeling, » the Australian driver shared enthusiastically.
Aware that the competition will once again be fierce on a track where Max Verstappen has won the last three editions, Piastri will need a flawless weekend to claim the fourth victory of his career.
« Arriving in Japan after a win in China feels great, but we know it’s all reset now and we have to push just as hard. It’s always very tight at the front, so we need to be performing in every area. I’m excited to be back on track and to put on a great race for the incredible Japanese fans. »
In the championship standings, Piastri currently trails his teammate by ten points. The two McLaren drivers are separated by Verstappen and George Russell. In the constructors’ standings, McLaren leads with a 21-point advantage over runner-up Mercedes.
