\n<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen produced arguably one of the best weekends of his F1 career to win the Japanese Grand Prix – so has the four-time world champion sent McLaren a warning that this year’s title race could be at least a three-way fight?<\/p>\n
McLaren came into the weekend as strong favourites due to the nature of the Suzuka layout, which, on paper, would suit their car.<\/p>\n
They also won the opening two races of the season in Australia and China, with a dominant one-two at the latter, showing excellent race pace in both Grands Prix.<\/p>\n
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Max Verstappen jokes Lando Norris was an ‘expensive lawnmower’ after their pitlane clash, which saw Norris drive into the grass during the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBut, Verstappen pinched pole position with a Suzuka lap record before holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the race to cut Norris’ lead in the standings to one point after three rounds.<\/p>\nRed Bull team principal Christian Horner called Verstappen “inch perfect” as he secured his first win of the year after finishing second and fourth in Australia and China respectively.<\/p>\nThe result gives McLaren something to think about, despite the Woking-based outfit having the fastest car on the grid for a third successive race weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Max Verstappen jokes Lando Norris was an ‘expensive lawnmower’ after their pitlane clash, which saw Norris drive into the grass during the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBut, Verstappen pinched pole position with a Suzuka lap record before holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the race to cut Norris’ lead in the standings to one point after three rounds.<\/p>\nRed Bull team principal Christian Horner called Verstappen “inch perfect” as he secured his first win of the year after finishing second and fourth in Australia and China respectively.<\/p>\nThe result gives McLaren something to think about, despite the Woking-based outfit having the fastest car on the grid for a third successive race weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n Max Verstappen jokes Lando Norris was an ‘expensive lawnmower’ after their pitlane clash, which saw Norris drive into the grass during the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBut, Verstappen pinched pole position with a Suzuka lap record before holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the race to cut Norris’ lead in the standings to one point after three rounds.<\/p>\nRed Bull team principal Christian Horner called Verstappen “inch perfect” as he secured his first win of the year after finishing second and fourth in Australia and China respectively.<\/p>\nThe result gives McLaren something to think about, despite the Woking-based outfit having the fastest car on the grid for a third successive race weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Max Verstappen jokes Lando Norris was an ‘expensive lawnmower’ after their pitlane clash, which saw Norris drive into the grass during the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBut, Verstappen pinched pole position with a Suzuka lap record before holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the race to cut Norris’ lead in the standings to one point after three rounds.<\/p>\nRed Bull team principal Christian Horner called Verstappen “inch perfect” as he secured his first win of the year after finishing second and fourth in Australia and China respectively.<\/p>\nThe result gives McLaren something to think about, despite the Woking-based outfit having the fastest car on the grid for a third successive race weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
But, Verstappen pinched pole position with a Suzuka lap record before holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the race to cut Norris’ lead in the standings to one point after three rounds.<\/p>\n
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner called Verstappen “inch perfect” as he secured his first win of the year after finishing second and fourth in Australia and China respectively.<\/p>\n
The result gives McLaren something to think about, despite the Woking-based outfit having the fastest car on the grid for a third successive race weekend.<\/p>\n
\n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on all the big talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHorner: Verstappen is currently best driver in the world<\/h3>\nHorner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Horner said: “This weekend shows if you keep working hard and never give up anything is possible. If we can unlock some of the potential on this car it puts us right in the fight.<\/p>\n
“That was one of Max’s best weekends. Without any debate, he is the best driver in the world currently. The hard work was done [in qualifying] but he was inch perfect in the race.<\/p>\n
“We worked hard to give him a car he was able to extract the most out of and he drove the wheels off it, he was stunning. He nailed the last chicane and that was enough.<\/p>\n
“He is like Mr Motivator for us and there is no bigger motivator than winning. We know this car has some vices and we know where we need to improve.”<\/p>\n
\n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Fernando Alonson says Verstappen is keeping the title fight alive but fears he will come up short against McLarens better car<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVerstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\nAsked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Verstappen won multiple races last year where he did not have the fastest car which proved crucial as he finished 63 points ahead of Norris and 81 clear of Piastri.<\/p>\n
Asked whether he now expects to compete in every race moving forward, starting with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think so. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there.<\/p>\n
“We want to be better than just sometimes being up there. Hopefully we keep on improving the car and unlocks a bit more pace. To fight for the title, we need more.”<\/p>\n
\n \n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed coming out of the pits, with the McLaren driver left on the grass in a battle for position<\/span>\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorris: Verstappen’s triumph not a surprise<\/h3>\nNorris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\nThe McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
Norris expects a battle with Verstappen throughout the year and was not shocked by his rival’s stunning performance in Japan.<\/p>\n
The McLaren driver said: “I don’t think there is a reason to be surprised by Max. I don’t think I ever have been. I don’t need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing.<\/p>\n
“I know how good he’s been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something – and I was half the height I am now.<\/p>\n
\n\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n This is what happens when you deal with the Dutch Lion that is Max Verstappen. You get outqualified by him and you lose the race. This has got to be for the first operational mistake and lost opportunity for McLaren this year – but what a drive from Max.<\/span><\/p>\n