Things can change for Max Verstappen. A year ago, he drove from pole to a sensational victory in Japan. Tomorrow morning, he will have to start from P11 in Suzuka, and a victory won’t even cross his mind. But what is possible for the four-time world champion from Red Bull Racing?
Read more Japanese Grand Prix: Second win in a row for Kimi Antonelli, Verstappen stuck in P8
First of all, a service announcement. Daylight saving time starts tonight, so the clock will be set forward one hour. So pay attention, because at 07.00 the lights will inexorably go out at the charging station (according to Fernando Alonso) called Suzuka, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli on pole.
Alonso was one of the drivers who (once again) spoke very critically after qualifying on Saturday about the new rules and the focus on energy management, which in his eyes has made an iconic circuit like Suzuka much less challenging. “The fast corners have become charging stations,” said Alonso. According to the Spaniard, even the Aston Martin chef could race with the new car. Alonso would probably be more than happy to step aside, as he is classified hopelessly on the last row of the grid, next to his teammate Lance Stroll.
Pole is worth gold in Japan
At the front, it will be interesting to see if Antonelli can keep his Mercedes teammate George Russel (P2) at bay at the start, as well as Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Charles Leclerd (Ferrari) from the second row. With a victory, Antonelli will take over the lead in the World Championship standings from Russell and maintain it at least until the beginning of May (Miami GP). Antonelli certainly has the best cards, especially knowing that seven of the last eight editions of the Japanese GP were won from pole. The young Italian will likely go for an optimal one-stopper.
Read more VIDEO: Heavy crash for Bearman at Suzuka, first safety car period is a fact
The Suzuka circuit has few braking zones. With the new cars, the risk of energy shortage (so-called super clipping) is therefore high. This seems to favor Mercedes beforehand, given their strong pace in the first and second sectors.
Where do the opportunities lie for Verstappen?
And Red Bull Racing, with Verstappen on P11 and Isack Hadjar on P8? With an uncontrollable and unstable car, as Verstappen called his car on Saturday after his disappointing qualifying session, it promises to be a tough race. A long first stint could be beneficial for Verstappen to get the car into a rhythm. And he will obviously have to gamble during potential safety car situations and hope for a favorable outcome.
Max Verstappen certainly doesn’t have to count on help from above. Dry and sunny weather is expected, with 19 degrees and a light breeze.
Read more Results GP Japan 2026
And what else is nice to know…
- Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Japanese GP with six wins, closely followed by Lewis Hamilton with five. Max Verstappen won the previous four editions.
- Michael Schumacher also scored the most poles at Suzuka, namely eight. He did so six times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton.
- Red Bull Racing has won the Japanese GP no less than eight times at the Suzuka circuit.
- New asphalt has been laid between turns 7 and 17.
- A lap at Suzuka is 5807 meters long, with 53 laps on the program
- The lap record has been held by Kimi Antonelli since last year: 1.30,965.
Read everything about the Japanese GP here
