Max Verstappen's RED CARD revelation on defending against McLaren in Suzuka

Max Verstappen talking to Mohammed bin Sulayem — Photo: © LAT Images

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Verstappen's RED CARD revelation on defending against McLaren in Suzuka

The Dutchman's only rival in Japan was the papaya team at the start

Luis Raya

Sunday 24 September 2023 23:12 Updated: 21:36

Max Verstappen joked about his defence against McLaren at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix, after he was compared to a football player.

Verstappen returned to the top in Suzuka, which has become a usual sight in 2023 after an abnormal Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutch driver dominated from start to finish, easily crushing his competitors and winning the race in Japan by over 19 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris.

The papaya team was the only one that came close to the world champion during the weekend, as both Oscar Piastri and Norris challenged him at the start, albeit unsuccessfully. After that, the race was a breeze for Verstappen, who also set the fastest lap.

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Mara Sangiorgio of Sky Sports Italy compared his defence against the McLarens at the start to that of football players, to which Verstappen responded with a joke.

“I don’t know; I never defended in football," said the Red Bull driver with a laugh. "I probably would’ve got a lot of red cars if I was playing football.

"I did a good race. I managed the tyres and had a good weekend, especially after the Singapore GP. I was thinking about this moment since I finished the race last Sunday.”

Verstappen took his 13th win of the season at Suzuka

Verstappen can win the championship in Qatar

Thanks to their win, Red Bull secured the constructors' championship in Suzuka, with six rounds left in the season. The next race is the Qatar Grand Prix on October 8, where Verstappen could become a three-time world champion.

The Dutchman needs just three points to lift his third title. In fact, he could even win the title in Saturday's sprint race.

2023 is undoubtedly proving to be one of the most dominant seasons in history, with Carlos Sainz's victory in Singapore the only win by a team other than Red Bull. Even team-mate Sergio Perez has been no match for Verstappen, with the Mexican 177 points behind the Dutchman.