Verstappen's RED CARD revelation on defending against McLaren in Suzuka
Verstappen's RED CARD revelation on defending against McLaren in Suzuka
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.
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.”
READ MORE: World CHAMPIONS crowned as Verstappen returns to form in crushing Suzuka victory
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.
READ MORE: Lawson reveals BLUNT Marko response to points-winning race as he outdrives Tsunoda AGAIN
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 News Today: ‘Absolute b******s’ Newey claims slammed as Norris INJURED while partying
- 2 hours ago
Hamilton hit with SURPRISE Ferrari claim as new Cullen relationship blossoms - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Current F1 star qualifies for world championship race on two wheels
- Yesterday 22:57
Ricciardo given HUGE boost after upgrade claim
- Yesterday 21:57
‘Absolute b******s’ - Newey’s wife SLAMS Red Bull F1 claims
- Yesterday 20:57
Norris INJURED at party with legendary DJ
- Yesterday 19:57
Related news
NIGHTMARE Japanese GP may bite F1 team later this season
EMBARRASSING Hamilton crash caught on camera at Suzuka
‘Ricciardo is so finished’ - Pressure mounts on RB star after BIG Japanese GP crash
FIA reveal OFFICIAL verdict on Ricciardo Japanese GP crash
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860