Previewing the Japanese GP | Will Red Bull and Verstappen strike back?

It took some getting used to for average Formula 1 fans: no Red Bull on the top step of the podium in Singapore. Indeed: no Red Bull on the podium. For the first time this season, the Austrians had to face not even one team, but three. Will the same be true in Japan, or will the 'old' hierarchy be restored?

To start straight away with the answer to that question: probably yes. Red Bull Racing could already predict after many hours on the simulator that it would be a tough race in Singapore. That expectation more than came true. On that same simulator, the team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez was also already preparing for the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen already hinted in Singapore that things were looking very good for the RB19.

Red Bull aims for revenge

Singapore - much has already been said and written about it - was a circuit with special characteristics, unique of its kind on the Formula 1 calendar. Suzuka is also a distinctive track, one that is much loved by drivers. And yes, it is a circuit that should again suit Red Bull. In any case, it is where Red Bull Racing hopes to celebrate next weekend. If the team captures one more point that Mercedes, Red Bull will be constructors' champion for the second year in a row.

It will be interesting to see how the battle for second place in this championship unfolds. Ferrari - and Carlos Sainz in particular - has put in a top performance the last two races at completely different circuits. He seems to be completely at one with his car by now, and will surely be curious himself whether he can continue the upward trend to Suzuka. Mercedes at least has the confidence to compete for the podium in Japan as well, having been very close to victory in Singapore.

McLaren's development also remains interesting. In Singapore, the English team brought an update to the already updated car, and it was particularly competitive in the hands of Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri could not yet dispose of these updates, he will only do so in Japan. So nobody should be surprised if McLaren appears with two drivers at the front of the grid at Suzuka.

Everyone is watching Tsunoda

In Japan, all eyes are likely to be on home hero Yuki Tsunoda. AlphaTauri will reportedly announce this weekend that the Japanese driver will stay on for another season, and he will no doubt want to underline that upcoming, joyous news with a good performance in his homeland. In the past two Grands Prix, Tsunoda did not complete a single lap in total, so first and foremost the task is to get beyond Turn 1 for once. Moreover, he probably has a tough task ahead of him in teammate Liam Lawson, who is settling into Formula 1 more and more. The New Zealander is racing in the Super Formula Championship this season and knows Suzuka well. Will he therefore surprise this weekend?