Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton expects Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing to bounce back this weekend as the paddock heads to the Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Reigning world champion Verstappen had a less than ideal outing last time out at the Singapore Grand Prix where the Dutch driver finished in fifth, bringing an end to his run of 10 consecutive race wins and 15 for Red Bull. It was also his worst result since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix where he finished in sixth place.
The 25-year-old secured his second world championship from pole position in last year’s rain-soaked and reduced race at Suzuka.
“I would think that if they’re not 30 seconds ahead like they have done in the past, then something’s up,” Hamilton said in a press conference.
“But no, I think that, as ‘Checo’ [Sergio Perez] said, it was obviously a difficult weekend in the last one, but their [Red Bull’s] car should be phenomenal here.”
Regardless of the setback in Singapore, Verstappen still leads the championship by 151 points with seven races to go while Hamilton sits in third.
LH in Japan. ???? pic.twitter.com/3PKTtZqAFb
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) September 21, 2023
Hamilton’s Mercedes team sit second in the constructors’ championship, 24 points ahead of Ferrari. The British driver never believed his team could be in that position at this stage of the season and asserts the German manufacturer need to be at their best to finish above the Italian automobile giant come the end of the season.
“Definitely didn’t expect ourselves to be second in the constructors’ [championship] and to now be relatively close, particularly in the last couple of races and well, the last race, and be fighting in the constructors,” Hamilton stated.
“I think it’s exciting for us as a team and of course we want to beat them, just as they want to beat us. So it’s going to take a full team effort.”
