Max Verstappen is hoping a return to Suzuka for Formula 1's Japanese Grand Prix will "bring out the best" of Red Bull's RB21.
The Dutchman failed to mount a challenge for victory at the Chinese Grand Prix last time out as the Red Bull struggled to match the race-winning McLaren and the Mercedes of George Russell, despite finishing second to Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari in the sprint.
That result followed a season-opening second behind last year's main title rival Lando Norris in Australia, where a safety car allowed four-time champion Verstappen to overcome a 15-second gap to the McLarens.
Verstappen looks ahead to GP Japan
Verstappen has won the previous three Japanese races and ahead of the third race of the season, he said: "Suzuka has always been a special circuit to race at with a lot of history for us, especially winning the constructors’ championship in 2023 and my second drivers’ championship here too.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Of course, it is Yuki [Tsunoda’s] first race with the Team in front of his home crowd, so it will be a busy race to welcome him to the team! We have a special white Japan livery this week that is a tribute to Honda, which looks cool, and I am also racing in my white Japan helmet, inspired by the livery.
"Looking back to China, on the second stint the performance was a lot more promising, and we were seeing a lot more pace in the car. The team has been working hard to optimise our performance and I have been back at the factory on the sim this week too.
"I always enjoy racing at this track: it has a lot of high-speed corners and one we typically race well at, so hopefully we can bring out the best of the car and improve here this weekend."
Read more about:
latest news
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
Popular on GPBlog
1
Russell warned after Antonelli’s first win: ‘He has a lot less to smile about’
1682 times read
2
Max Verstappen set for fierce battle with Playmate of the Month
873 times read
3
Antonelli blown away by Hamilton’s massive backing after maiden F1 win
812 times read
4
Red Bull Ford impresses: Will McLaren, Williams, or Aston Martin come knocking soon?
783 times read
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 |
Loading
