Sebastian Vettel has named the Formula 1 driver he ‘will be happy’ to see win at the Japanese GP, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull the ‘favourites’ for the Suzuka race.
Formula 1 returns to the Land of the Rising Sun next weekend after moving the Japanese GP to an earlier slot in the calendar. The 2023 meeting took place on September 24. But F1 has grouped races together by region more closely in 2024 to reduce travel and the emissions.
The Japanese GP now follows on from the Australian GP before the return of the Chinese GP for the first time since 2019. Verstappen will also hope the Red Bull racer returns to winning ways in Suzuka like he did in 2023. Carlos Sainz finished his latest winning run in Melbourne.
Max Verstappen won the 2023 Japanese GP with both McLaren drivers on the podium
Verstappen had won nine Grand Prix in a row before a brake problem forced the 26-year-old to retire. Sainz took advantage of the Dutchman’s plight to win the Australian GP. The Ferrari driver also finished Verstappen’s F1 record 10-race winning streak at the 2023 Singapore GP.
Red Bull had their only off weekend during the 2023 season in Singapore but Verstappen hit straight back by winning the Japanese GP. Both McLaren drivers joined the defending three-time champion on the rostrum, with Oscar Piastri following Lando Norris for his first podium.
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No driver threatened Verstappen at the 2023 Japanese GP as he greeted the chequered flag 19.387 seconds ahead of Norris. Piastri also came home another 17.107 seconds behind his teammate. While Red Bull retired Sergio Perez twice in Suzuka after he hit Kevin Magnussen.
Sebastian Vettel ‘will be happy’ if Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wins in Suzuka again
No driver challenged Verstappen at the Bahrain GP or the Saudi Arabian GP to start the 2024 season, either. Perez sealed Red Bull a one-two finish in the opening rounds. But he finished 22.457s and 13.643s behind his teammate. Perez even only finished the Australian GP in P5.
So, given Red Bull remain a cut above the Formula 1 grid through Verstappen in 2024, Vettel expects the Dutchman will be the favourite to win the Japanese GP. The four-time champion with Red Bull would also be happy to see Verstappen win given the team’s dominant design.
“From a sporting perspective, we would all like it to be closer,” Vettel told Sky Germany. “But the signs are good – this year, it seems to be closer. But I think that Max and Red Bull are still the favourites, again in Suzuka.
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“You don’t know how Australia would have turned out – ifs and buts – that doesn’t matter. It was nice for Carlos and Ferrari [to get a win]. As I said, from a sporting point of view, it’s nice if a little more is happening.
“But with the dominance that Red Bull and especially Max continue to show, you shouldn’t forget the performance behind it. That can’t be emphasised enough. So, I’ll be happy if Max comes back to the top.”
The post ‘I’ll be happy’: Sebastian Vettel will be pleased if 26-y/o F1 driver wins 2024 Japanese GP appeared first on F1 Oversteer.