The difference between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes often becomes clear in qualifying, when Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton repeatedly put Max Verstappen behind them. Verstappen tried to do things differently this weekend, proposing a car swap.
During the press conference after the qualifying session, Verstappen suggested to Hamilton to test privately with a Red Bull car and a Mercedes car to see what the real difference is between the two cars. The reigning world champion did not really respond to this, but afterwards the social media team of Mercedes reacted playfully to Hamilton's proposal.
Testing is always allowed
Via Instagram, Mercedes indicated that Verstappen can always call them if he wants to test a Mercedes car. "Max, you can always call us if you want to test a Mercedes." The Dutchman starts today in his own Red Bull from third place, just behind Hamilton.
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
02:30 AM
Practice 2
06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
02:30 AM
Qualification
06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
05:00 AM
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
Sun 05:00 AM
Times are in your local timezone
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 51 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 47 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 34 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 33 | |
5 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 15 | |
7 | AlpineALP | 9 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 8 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 8 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 4 |
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