After a bad weekend in Australia Red Bull again looks like the top contender at the Japanese Grand Prix but Ferrari and McLaren may fight back
The iconic track of Suzuka comes early this year. The Japanese Grand Prix, held in previous years on the second half of the season is now the 4th race of the championship. A difficult track like this one so early and the chance of a rainy weekend promises an exciting race. Usually, teams came to Japan with complete knowledge of their cars. However, this is not the case especially for Aston Martin and Mercedes. The green and silver squads are bringing some experimental upgrades for the weekend with the hope of climbing up in the standings.
On the top of the table, Red Bull looks as competitive as always but Ferrari and McLaren could bring a fight for them. Ferrari is settled as the second-best car on the grid but the high-speed corners of Suzuka could bring the best out of the papayas. On the opposite side, those very fast corners could make Mercedes suffer as they did in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. We are also in for Yuki Tsunoda‘s home Grand Prix and just 2 weeks away before the Shanghai International Circuit is back since 2019.
Red Bull could lose the top position of the championship
In Australia a Max Verstappen DNF and checo Pérez only achieving P5 was the result for Red Bull. The Milton-Keynes squad is closer to its competitors in the table than expected. A bad result or another Ferrari miracle could unexpectedly bring them down.
This however is not the most likely scenario. Red Bull still has the most competitive car on the grid. In a likely fashion we will see yet another Verstappen victory for the records. Pérez brings doubt to fans as he has a disastrous Japanese Grand Prix in 2023. His collision with a Haas on the race and his following DNF remains in the memory of fans.
McLaren look extremely competitive
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix proved McLaren‘s biggest strength in high-speed corners. The track of Suzuka might be the perfect spot for the papayas to fight at the top. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are very close on the standings. After the Australian’s superb race in Saudi Arabia, he is still leading the standings for McLaren.
McLaren is currently 3rd on the standings. They stand on top of Aston Martin and Mercedes and only behind Ferrari and Red Bull. A third place could be its best result in the constructors since 2020.
Aston Martin and Mercedes will experiment with their cars
This year does not look good for two of the world champions of the grid. Lewis Hamilton is currently struggling with the Mercedes. In like manner, Fernando Alonso is not capable of fighting for podiums like last year in Aston Martin. Both teams come to Japan with experiments for their cars to try and improve their results.
With Lewis Hamilton leaving for Ferrari in 2025 Fernando Alonso could search for another chance in the driver market. Both Mercedes and Red Bull could be a destination for the Asturian driver. However, that Mercedes seat does not look at all like an improvement from Aston Martin at all. Perhaps, a glory run next to Max Verstappen or even replacing the Dutch at Red Bull could be the way for Fernando to end his career on a high note.
Home Grand Prix for last race’s “best of the rest” Yuki Tsunoda
After Fernando Alonso‘s penalty in Australia Yuki Tsunoda managed to achieve an impressive 7th place. The Japanese driver is currently standing with 6 points in the championship. Also, in a 0-3 head to head against Daniel Ricciardo both in race and qualifying. Red Bull does not look interested in getting him on board for the first team, However, Daniel Ricciardo is at risk as rumors of a Liam Lawson replacement are becoming stronger after his latest performances.
A home race after that amazing result could bring some heavy momentum to the local hero. A good race on home soil might not be enough for Red Bull. Instead, Aston Martin partnered with Honda starting 2026 might have the perfect replacement if Fernando Alonso leaves.
One week off before the Chinese Grand Prix is back
After many years, since 2019 a fan-favorite track in the Shanghai International Circuit will be back at the next Grand Prix. For the first time ever a Chinese driver will start the race with Zhou Guanyu currently in his third year with Sauber.
The Japanese Grand Prix will have European fans waking up early again. The race is scheduled for 7:00 CET. Last early morning of the season together with the Chinese Grand Prix taking place at 9:00 CET. After that F1 os going to Miami before its European leg of the season starts in the iconic Emilia Romagna.
Guillermo Lorenzo Manzano
