Verstappen jokes about upgrades in Japan: 'The colour will be the same'

With dropping out on the third lap, Max Verstappen was clearly not happy with how his race went in Australia. The Dutchman can now focus on the Japanese Grand Prix, which will take place in a fortnight's time. Upgrades for the RB20 are also coming for that Grand Prix.

Verstappen has fond memories of Suzuka. In 2022, he became world champion after winning at the circuit. Also in 2023, the Dutchman took home the victory there. So it is fair to say it has proved a good circuit for Red Bull Racing in recent years.

Verstappen on Japanese GP

Verstappen also has those feelings when thinking about the Japanese Grand Prix, but he does not want to get ahead of himself: "Well, so far good. But of course everyone has a bit of different characteristics in their cars as well, you know, so it's not a given that we will be you know, really, really competitive, like, like last year, but I'm excited. It's a track that I really enjoyed last year."

Ferrari were very fast this weekend. Even without Verstappen's retirement, it would probably have been a tough race for the Dutchman as well. Nevertheless, the three-time world champion remains positive: "I mean, I know that I'm confident with the car. I feel good like especially I think yesterday as well. We shouldn't have been on pole but like the laps that we did, were really good. So I just want to have a good weekend again and feel good with the car."

Red Bull's upgrades

There will also be upgrades on the RB20 for the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen would not reveal what kind of upgrades are involved. He jokes: "Well, I mean, the colour will be the same. You will see."