Max Verstappen said it was “fun to drive the RB19 again” in Friday’s practice at the Japanese GP, and former Aston Martin strategy leader Bernie Collins doubts Red Bull can be stopped for that form.
Red Bull had pointed to Singapore as a potential obstacle in its quest for an unbeaten F1 campaign in 2023, even if few expected its run of dominance to end, with Verstappen winning 10 Grands Prix in a row while Red Bull’s winning streak continued. 15.
Both sequences were interrupted in Singapore, however, Verstappen and Red Bull headed to Suzuka where the problems were just one incident. And it turns out that’s precisely what it was.
The Dutchman came out of the blocks to dominate FP1 through six tenths over Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, and Leclerc in the brother Ferrari SF-23 reduced Verstappen’s merit to three tenths by the end of FP2, Verstappen nevertheless controlled a formidable goalscorer of the competition.
“Yes, today was smart,” Verstappen told Sky F1 as he warned they would return to the mainstream on Friday at Suzuka.
“From the first lap, the car had fun driving again and it turns out we had a good day in short and long runs.
“There’s a lot of degradation at this track, so I think it’s going to be difficult for the tyres in the race, but for now I think we have a smart start to the weekend. “
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It is moderate to assume that Verstappen is fighting for pole, with Ferrari and McLaren positioning themselves at this level as potential threats.
Verstappen says, however, that Red Bull is focusing on themselves, because doing so will put them in contention for pole.
“It seems like everything is a bit tight for me,” Verstappen said. “Between Ferrari and McLaren they are close, so let’s take a look. “
“But I think at the end of the day we will focus on ourselves and look to optimise our functionality and if we can do that, I am convinced we will fight for pole. “
Sky F1 expert Bernie Collins is rarely quite sure anyone can find an answer for Red Bull judging by their one-lap speed, although he sees a very intriguing war looming.
“At least Red Bull looked unstoppable today,” he said. “I’m sure it will stay that way until Saturday. “
“It will be interesting to know if on Sunday, this replacement in the [direction] of the wind, will it potentially go to anyone?
“But that’s very close. Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston [Martin], McLaren as well, there are a lot of cars very, very close. So it’s going to be really attractive. “
Red Bull will win the 2023 constructors’ name in Japan if they are ruled by Mercedes and Ferrari does not beat them by 24 numbers or more.
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