Over two days in Japan, Max Verstappen reminded the Formula 1 world of just what he is capable of doing on the track.
Despite lacking confidence in the RB21 to begin the week, Verstappen extracted every possible millisecond out of Red Bull’s challenger to capture pole position ahead of favorites Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. While there were questions about whether Verstappen would be able to hold off the speedy McLaren duo in the Japanese Grand Prix itself the Red Bull driver answered those questions in thunderous fashion, capturing the win and closing to within a point of Norris atop the F1 Drivers’ Championship standings.
Now, the grid heads straight to Bahrain from Suzuka, for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. The site of pre-season testing now plays host to the second race in F1’s first triple-header this season.
As always, SB Nation will have all the action covered for you all week long as the grid takes on the Bahrain International Circuit.