Max Verstappen has declared that he `won`t make it easy` for McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Japanese Grand Prix this Sunday, with rain predicted at Suzuka.
Verstappen surprised many by securing pole position, his first in over nine months, after McLaren had shown strong pace in practice sessions.
Norris and Piastri have each won one of the first two races of the season. Verstappen trails Norris, who currently leads the championship, by just eight points.
`Even with a good start, it will be challenging for us,` Verstappen commented. `Our race pace hasn`t been ideal recently, and pole position isn`t a guarantee of victory. However, I`m determined to win and will not make it easy for them. We`ll have to see how the weather plays out, but I hope for an exciting race.`
Top 10 Starting Grid for Japanese GP
- 1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2) Lando Norris, McLaren
- 3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- 4) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- 5) George Russell, Mercedes
- 6) Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- 7) Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
- 8) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
- 9) Alex Albon, Williams
- 10) Oliver Bearman, Haas
Norris Anticipates Exciting Battle with Verstappen
Verstappen has adopted a less aggressive racing style in the initial races compared to his intense battles with Norris in the 2024 season. This strategic approach seems focused on maximizing points, even if it means conceding positions to potentially faster cars, as seen in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint.
This tactic could pay off, as a win on Sunday could propel Verstappen into the championship lead, despite McLaren`s car appearing to have a performance advantage.
Norris is eager for a rematch with Verstappen, recalling their duels from last year. `I’m excited to battle Max. We had many encounters last year, and I`m looking forward to more tomorrow,` Norris stated. `The weather is uncertain, which adds to the intrigue. It could be another unpredictable race like Melbourne.`
Piastri, celebrating his 24th birthday on Sunday, believes McLaren has strong pace. `I think we`re quick,` Piastri said. `The competition might be closer than it seems. The goal is to gain two positions from my starting place, but we`ll see how the race unfolds.`
Rain Could Bring Chaos at Suzuka
The Australian Grand Prix, which was affected by rain, demonstrated that wet conditions on a challenging circuit can lead to numerous incidents. Several drivers, including rookies and experienced racers, made mistakes in Melbourne.
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain in Suzuka in the morning, easing by the afternoon before the race start at 3pm local time (6am UK time). A wet start to the Japanese Grand Prix is anticipated, potentially creating a dramatic first lap.
Race officials also hope the rain will help prevent further grass fires, after multiple incidents during Saturday`s qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton, starting from eighth, welcomes the prospect of rain, hoping it will improve his chances of moving up the field. His teammate Charles Leclerc starts fourth, while George Russell and Kimi Antonelli aim for podium finishes from fifth and sixth respectively. Local favorite Yuki Tsunoda will attempt to climb from 14th position.
Marcus Prine