Verstappen Victory Amidst Vehicle Vehemence
The only driver to do so four times in a row, Max Verstappen has won the Suzuka Circuit. There’s been no secrecy in Verstappen’s difficulties handling the RB21. That didn’t stop him from claiming his first victory of the season. Verstappen, amidst the tumultuous Ferraris and the climbing McLarens, is now sitting just one point behind Lando Norris.
One may very well wonder if Red Bull intentionally makes their car more difficult to drive just to give Verstappen a bit of challenge on the track. Verstappen has vocalized concern for Red Bull’s ability to account for the necessary adjustments at the factory. Red Bull is currently working with the same wind tunnel from when they first joined in 2005. Specifically, the front wheel sensitivity, or rather, the lack thereof, has been an issue. Yet, Verstappen had more than enough bite to compensate for his unwilling tires, securing his pole position by just 0.012 seconds when he came out of the gate with an intense angle that secured his lead.
Back a few places, newly promoted teammate Yuki Tsunoda gained two positions during his debut race, finishing in P12. This compared with newly demoted teammate Liam Lawson, who started a place ahead of Tsunoda but crossed the finish line in P17. With only one race after the driver swap, Red Bull seems already justified in its lineup decision. However, Tsunoda’s feelings were mixed at best. In an interview, he said, "I'm happy with the race in terms of my performance, but obviously, in terms of results, it's quite tough, especially for my home grand prix.” Tsunoda’s words are reminiscent of Jack Doohan’s experience during the previous Melbourne Grand Prix.
Not to mention what is looking like the new disappointing standard for Ferrari. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc qualified and finished in the top 10, each gaining two places to finish eighth and sixth, respectively. Leclerc was optimistic going into Sunday’s race, saying, "On the whole, it's been positive because I feel a lot more comfortable with the car." Though, one can hardly imagine the same to be said for Hamilton. When asked in a post-race interview if he learned a lot this weekend, Hamilton responded that he had. “We’ve got some improvements to make.” Apparently, a regulation skid-block is not improving enough.
Even with a car that, at times, is fighting him, Max Verstappen is well on the path to a fifth World Champion victory. Verstappen has made a home for himself on the Suzuka track. His familiarity is no doubt a contributor to his success. However, perhaps this victory was just the reminder he needed of his own capabilities. Verstappen is a Red Bull through and through. Skilled enough to take on any challenger.
