Prior to the Japanese Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing team questioned whether Max Verstappen could convert his pole position into a victory. Helmut Marko mentioned after the race that he was not willing to bet on a win in Japan.
Against all expectations, Max Verstappen placed his Red Bull in pole position on Saturday. The question remained whether a victory was possible with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri behind him.
The Dutchman managed to hold his nerve. In a race which didn’t provide much action, the highlighted moment came when title contenders Verstappen and Norris got very close for comfort at the pit exit. Brit Norris ended up on the grass, but neither driver was penalised. After the race, the pair laughed about the moment in the cool-down room and press conference.
Marko was not certain of a Japanese Grand Prix win for Red Bull
Helmut Marko, at least, did not dare to bet on a Verstappen win. After the Grand Prix, he told De Telegraaf: “I didn’t bet because I was too scared…,” he revealed.
Marko went on to say that it’s incredible how Verstappen delivered a flawless race. McLaren’s strategic choices ensured that Norris and Piastri had their hands full with each other rather than with Verstappen. All three podium sitters crossed the line in close quarters, but McLaren’s decision to not let Oscar Piastri past Norris might have cost them a possible race victory.
The iconic Suzuka Circuit was the host to the first race of the April triple header. Next weekend, the Formula 1 circus rolls around to the Middle East in Bahrain. After that, teams make the short trip to Saudi Arabia for the race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. With 21 rounds and five sprints left, there is still so much action to come in 2025.
This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden
