Verstappen holds off Norris and roars back into title race

While it may have been short on thrills, the Japanese Grand Prix was at the very least a demonstration of intent from Max Verstappen.

- Giles Richards

While it may have been short on thrills, the Japanese Grand Prix was at the very least a demonstration of intent from Max Verstappen. Formula One might prefer the spectacle and drama but it is all a bagatelle to Verstappen in his pursuit of a fifth consecutive world title.

His victory at Suzuka, ground out with a relentless series of controlled laps while hounded to the flag by the two McLarens, was a pointed reminder that the Dutchman will not go quietly into the night. At the close he had beaten Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri into second and third by just over a second. They had been on his tail throughout, ready to pounce on any moment of weakness at a track that punishes the smallest errors. There were none.

Verstappen took his fourth consecutive win at Suzuka as if on rails. It is a remarkable achievement given the circuit requires great confidence in the car and Verstappen managed it in a ride that could so easily have reared up and bitten him, such are the problems the Red Bull has been having with balance and its capricious nature of snapping through understeer and oversteer.