Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen shared a heartfelt message after securing the Japanese Grand Prix victory. The race at Suzuka marks the last in Honda’s home country before it ends its engine partnership with Red Bull at the end of the year.
Verstappen and Red Bull have celebrated a staggering amount of success with the partnership after it began in 2019. The Dutchman reflected on the partnership after he clinched the win after starting from pole position.
“It means a lot to me,” the reigning drivers’ champion commented.
“It was in the back of my mind as well, you know, in those last few laps, I was like, well, I need to try and stay ahead. It would be a great story, our final kind of farewell race together with Honda here in Japan, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over all those years together. I think this is like a perfect send-off dream result.”
Red Bull has had a tricky start to the season, but after “turning the car upside down,” as team chief Christian Horner put it, Verstappen managed to get to the top step of the podium.
“It was tough, you know, just pushing very hard, especially on the last set.
“The two McLarens were pushing me very hard, and it was a lot of fun out there, not easy, of course, to manage the tyres, but I’m incredibly happy.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“It started off quite tough this weekend, but we didn’t give up. We kept improving the car, and today, it was in its best form. And of course, you know, starting on pole, that really made it possible to win this race.”
Verstappen was joined on the podium by the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in second and third, respectively.
The Japanese Grand Prix marks the start of the first triple-header of the season as F1 now moves onto Bahrain, followed by Saudi Arabia.
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