Max Verstappen has warned McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri that he “won’t make it easy” for them in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, as unpredictable weather threatens to shake up the race at Suzuka. Verstappen, who snatched pole for the first time in over nine months, pulled off a surprise result after McLaren dominated practice.
With rain expected before lights out, Verstappen remains cautious about his race chances despite starting from the front. “Even if you have a good start or not, it will be tough for us,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1. “So far, the race pace has not been the best for us… I won’t make it easy. I want to try and win.”
Championship leader Norris and teammate Piastri have already secured one win apiece in the opening rounds, but Verstappen sits just eight points behind. The Red Bull driver acknowledges McLaren’s superior race pace but is determined to fight: “It’s a long championship and you need to keep scoring points whenever you can.”
Suzuka’s layout presents overtaking challenges, making track position vital. With only one DRS zone, drivers will rely on strong starts and strategic calls. Verstappen is aware of this and is playing a long game as Red Bull continues to trail McLaren in pure performance.
Meanwhile, Norris is eager for another battle. “We had plenty of them last year,” he said, adding that uncertain weather could mirror the dramatic Australian Grand Prix. Piastri, who turns 24 on race day, is aiming for a double podium for McLaren and isn’t ruling out a surprise. “You never quite know with engine modes,” he said.
The race could start on a wet track, with heavy morning rain forecast. Wet conditions caused chaos in earlier races, and several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and rookies, are hoping for wet weather to capitalize on opportunities. Hamilton, starting P8, said, “I genuinely love the rain.”
The top 10 grid features Verstappen on pole, followed by Norris and Piastri. With unpredictable weather, limited overtaking opportunities, and high championship stakes, Suzuka is set for a gripping showdown.
Source: Swifteradio.com.
