Verstappen assesses gap to Perez: 'All I can say is we have the same car'

Max Verstappen has been showing dominant pace all Grand Prix weekend in Japan, but the same cannot be said for his teammate Sergio Perez. He managed to come closest in qualifying, but even there he had to concede more than seven tenths to the Dutchman. Verstappen does not have an explanation for that difference, but he does stress that both drivers have the same equipment.

After qualifying, Verstappen talks about his weekend, which has been very smooth so far. "The whole weekend has been going really well. The balance of the car was just top notch, so I could also really gun it," he grinned to Viaplay's camera.

"This is one of the most beautiful circuits and when you also have a really good balance in those fast corners, you can really enjoy that," he adds. He expects most opposition in the race from McLaren. "I think they will go pretty well in the race. We just need to be faster, but of course it's all about having a good start. Hopefully we can drive our own race from there."

Perez, unlike his teammate, is not having a flawless weekend. Right from practice on Friday, the Mexican has to concede a lot to Verstappen, who is asked if he can explain that difference. "No. The only thing I can say is that our cars are the same," replied Verstappen.