Verstappen on Japan: "It really does feel like a home race"

Max Verstappen hopes to secure the world title at this weekend's Japan Grand Prix. During the first two free practice sessions, the Dutchman was already thoroughly enjoying the return to Japan, where he feels himself very much at home partly because of Honda. He says this in an interview with Viaplay.

"It really does feel like a home race," stated Verstappen, who also enjoys the circuit. "I think it's a bit like Zandvoort. You really do have to build up. You can't go full on the limit straight away, because you know that if you make a mistake here and go off, it can immediately cause major damage."

For Verstappen, however, it is still hard to determine where the team stands for qualifying, which takes place on Saturday. Indeed, during the two sessions on Friday, a lot of rain hit the track, so several teams decided to hold back. Verstappen accumulated 28 laps in both practice sessions.

Schumacher goes painfully wrong

Mick Schumacher experienced a disappointing first day. The driver drove his road hard into the crash barrier, causing anger among team boss Guenther Steiner. Indeed, the damage to his car is expected to amount to half a million dollars.