Max Verstappen can join the circle of multiple world champions in Formula 1. He provided the best conditions himself: the Red Bull star will start from first place on the grid on Sunday (7 a.m. / Sky) on the Suzuka Grand Prix circuit and would like to win his twelfth win of the season.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel is starting in Japan for the last time and feels a bit nostalgic. Compatriot Mick Schumacher is still fighting to return to the Far East in the top motorsport class next year.
Verstappen has it in his hands
World Cup chance number two: Max Verstappen was not able to become world champion early in the previous week in Singapore. In Japan he now has it in his own hands for the first time. If the Dutchman were to win, including the fastest race lap, Charles Leclerc from Monaco in the Ferrari would also have no mathematical chances and would have to admit defeat. Either way, Verstappen will win the title if he earns eight points more than Leclerc and six more than teammate Sergio Perez. Not even a win is necessary as long as he crosses the finish line clearly ahead of his two pursuers.
Painful farewell: Only in Suzuka did Sebastian Vettel really realize that his Formula 1 career would end next month. “I feel more alive on this track than on any other track. There’s just something magical about it,” said the 35-year-old after ninth place in qualifying. He won four times in Suzuka and became world champion on the course in 2011. “We hope that we can take the momentum into the race,” said the Aston Martin driver, who wants to get as far up the field as possible. Most recently in Singapore he finished eighth. He is sure of the support of the fans, in Japan he is a superstar. A lot of German flags can be seen along the route in his honor.
Mick Schumacher hopes for rain
Next application drive: Mick Schumacher has a maximum of five races left to recommend himself for a new contract in Formula 1. After his self-inflicted and rather expensive training accident on Friday, he only managed 15th place in the hunt for times. The Haas driver should finally get points again – the WM-16 hopes for that. on a wet track. “I know that my car is damn fast in the rain, so we’re happy,” said Schumacher on Sky. After the dry qualifying day, the meteorologists are predicting precipitation for the first Grand Prix in Japan since 2019 after a two-year Corona break.
Fan Excitement: The incomparable Japanese Formula 1 enthusiasts brought many special moments to the drivers. The Asians waited for hours for their racing driver heroes, gave presents and handed letters and messages to the pilots. However, the atmosphere will be very different than usual in Europe – because Verstappen will be missing his enthusiastic supporters. Because of the corona pandemic and the strict rules for entering the island, there are hardly any Dutch people on site. Corona regulations will not be relaxed until next week and tourists will be able to come to Japan more easily again without a visa.
