21 September 2023 , 08:45
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Lewis Hamilton has attempted to crank the pressure up on Red Bull by claiming there would be “something up” should they not build a 30-second lead during the Japanese Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion heads into this weekend’s race fresh off of another third-placed finish in Singapore. His task was helped by Red Bull having a tricky time of things at Marina Bay.
Runaway championship leader Max Verstappen could only finish fifth - his lowest position of the season so far - following a poor showing in qualification. Sergio Perez also endured a tricky race by finishing eighth. However, Hamilton is expecting Red Bull to rediscover their best form at Suzuka.
“I would think that if they’re not 30 seconds ahead like they have done in the past then something’s up… but no, it they had a difficult weekend at the last one but their car should be phenomenal here," he said. “They have been phenomenal all year long with pace at pretty much every circuit and it is going to be great to watch that car in general.
“Normally, when we come here, it's so beautiful to watch the laps that they do because the team as a whole and the drivers do an amazing job with the package they have. I hope we can be closer and I hope they are not as fast as the 30-second gap.”
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Hamilton’s prediction comes after Red Bull dominated during the Japanese Grand Prix last season. Verstappen ran out the victor en route to his second world championship, the Dutchman being crowned in the immediate aftermath of the race.
Max Verstappen was crowned F1 champion in Japan last year (Getty Images)Who will win the Japanese Grand Prix? Share your predictions in the comments below
His teammate Perez sat just behind. Verstappen has cut a determined figure as he prepares to return to Japan - and get Red Bull back on track following their disappointment last time out.
As quoted by France 24, he said: "No emotion, we stopped winning for one race -– s*** happens, we won 10 in a row before that.
"Of course, I would have liked to have won there as well but we also know that there is always going to be a day where you have that weekend where you are not winning or things go wrong."
He added: "I still think that from now onwards we can win every single race, even with people getting upgrades. Maybe here and there they might have the opportunity of winning, but I still think that our car is capable of winning every race."
Verstappen is also relishing the opportunity to return to Suzuka. The race only returned last year after a three-season absence. "It's almost like they're driving the car themselves," he said. "It's very different and very cool to see. They love motorsport."