Doubters, naysayers, and detractors have been a staple in Formula 1 for as long as the sport has existed. Now, in contemporary times, they’re louder, and more noticeable thanks to social media.
They have been especially vocal lately about Max Verstappen’s genuine ability and talent, decrying that he’s only able to win in a dominant car. The question is simple to all those who hold this opinion– what say you now?
Even in the second half of 2024, it was clear that the Red Bull car had begun to lose steam, that McLaren had not only closed the gap but were moving slightly ahead. This was unquestionably underlined by the fact that McLaren won the Constructor’s championship and started the 2025 as red-hot favourites for both titles. And Red Bull, even outside of their difficult car, hasn’t done much to inspire great confidence either. The second-driver debacle rages on, team personnel are seeking different opportunities elsewhere, and Verstappen is rumoured to be off to either Mercedes or Aston Martin at the end of the season. But this weekend all the dramas and controversies and struggles seemed to disappear with one majestic sweep of Max Verstappen’s steering wheel.
There wouldn’t have been many that would’ve bet on Verstappen featuring in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. They wouldn’t have been to blame either, given the performances in the first two race weekends of the year. But Verstappen has always had something special with Suzuka. This is, after all, where, as a 16-year-old, he made his free practice debut and where he has dominated for the last three times F1 has visited. [Shameless plug: we did have a feeling about Verstappen in our race preview column]. But in true champion fashion, he delivered a stunning lap to take pole ahead of both McLarens. It’s not a secret that pole around a track like Suzuka is a big deal. It’s tight and twisty and difficult to overtake and being in P1 means that the pace can be controlled, tyres can be looked after, and strategy can be dictated. To a point.
McLaren had both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri virtually glued to the Red Bull’s gearbox for all of the race. Still, they failed to take advantage of this. Instead, they pitted both cars within a lap of each other and were never willing to try an innovative strategy to put
pressure on Verstappen. And this is what cost them the win. McLaren did win the 2024 constructor’s championship, but they aren’t quite the well-oiled machine just yet. There is hesitancy and perhaps a lack of either creativity or gumption on the pitwall. This they will have to resolve before too long, as Verstappen proved this weekend that he is not to be counted out. It’s a striking enigma in that Red Bull has the best driver but not the best car, whereas McLaren has the best car, drivers slightly behind Verstappen, and a team that isn’t able to maximise every single opportunity. It is a tantalizing prospect for the rest of the season.
As it were, Verstappen scored his fourth consecutive win in Japan with Norris and Piastri completing the podium. Aside from Verstappen’s stupendously impressive drive, the race itself wasn’t a barnstormer. Ferrari still seems a bit off the pace with Charles Leclerc finishing a distant fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in fifth. A long first stint meant that Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead a grand prix in which he finished sixth. But for the Sprint race in China Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari foray isn’t quite clicking yet, with the 7-time champion coming home in seventh. Isack Hadjar drove an impressive race to finish eighth for Racing Bulls, while Alex Albon was ninth for Williams. Another rookie, this time Ollie Bearman, finished tenth for Haas. It wasn’t quite the dream start to life at Red Bull for Yuki Tsunoda, who crossed the finish line in twelfth. The entire race went completely without incident, not even a yellow flag, and without any retirements.
Given that everyone agrees that the Red Bull isn’t near the quickest car on the grid, Verstappen’s drive threatens virtuosic proportions. It was stellar in every definition of the word and a striking reminder to those who may doubt his superlative talents.
