Max Verstappen: Honda’s victory in Japan would be “particularly special”

In his opinion, Red Bull would benefit greatly from Max Verstappen winning a second World Championship in Japan.

The possibility of winning a second Formula 1 World Championship in the Japanese Grand Prix, according to Max Verstappen, would be “particularly special” given the team’s connections to Honda.

After collaborating in 2019, Red Bull and Honda became title contenders in ’21, narrowly defeating Lewis Hamilton in the Abu Dhabi final season.

The Japanese company stated its plans to leave Formula One at the conclusion of that season, choosing to concentrate its resources elsewhere, although it may be persuaded to cooperate with Red Bull once more in 2026 in addition to maintaining its quiet presence at Milton Keynes.

Verstappen, who will compete in the first Japanese Grand Prix since 2019, thinks it would be exciting to win a second title at Honda’s home racetrack. He is only the third F1 winner to race a Honda-powered car, after Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Verstappen on earning a second championship

Verstappen presently has a 104 point lead over Charles Leclerc and wants to leave Suzuka with a 112 point lead in the standings to win the world championship.

The racer of Ferrari must be outscored by eight points, Sergio Perez by six points, and George Russell, who is 138 points behind, by one point.

The Dutch racer would be able to add a second victory to his résumé with a victory and the quickest lap.

“It would make it extra special because of our relationship with Honda,” Verstappen explained to media when asked about winning the title.

“I think it was already a shame that we couldn’t be here last year already, so we are really looking forward to being back.

“We’ll see what happens. We need a perfect weekend, that’s for sure.”

Verstappen and Perez’s RB18s will once again sport Honda branding, after having HRC (Honda Racing Company) logos installed after Honda withdrew from F1. This is an indication of Honda’s renewed commitment in the sport.

Verstappen visits Suzuka once more

Eight years have passed since Verstappen’s on-track start at a legitimate F1 practise session, which will also occur in the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix.

He replaced Jean-Eric Vergne in the Toro Rosso for first practise at Suzuka a few days after turning 17 years old, however an engine issue cut short his session.

Verstappen claims he doesn’t frequently think about that weekend when he looks back on it.

“There wasn’t much pressure then,” he explained.

“I just had to drive the car and get used to feeling how an F1 car drove.

“I didn’t have much experience in it overall, so for me it was just a first training on a difficult circuit. It went pretty quickly, I must say.

“I don’t look back at those images, I like what’s going on now much more.”

Below are some of the most well-known FORMULA 1 drivers’ apparels, all of which are available at reasonable costs. Visit our link now if you are interested in the racing clothing collection:

F1, F1 2022, FIA, Formula 1, Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Japanese GP, Honda, Ayrton Senna