Verstappen proves a point at Suzuka but tasks unfinished

SUZUKA: World champion Max Verstappen exploded the idea that McLaren might absolutely dominate the Formula One season with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix at the weekend, but the Dutchman was by no means certain this would be able to repeat the feat elsewhere.

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Verstappen steered his Red Bull to a pole-to-flag victory for an unprecedented fourth time after retiring at Suzuka on Sunday, continuing his love affair with the home of his team’s engine provider, Honda.

The four-times world champion was delighted with his weekend in Japan, highlighted by the brilliant qualifying lap that left the whole position away from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, but cautious about what it meant for the remaining 19 races.

"I think we know our limitations,” he said. “So we just have to try and run against that limitation as much as we can. It puts us in a tight spot.