Formula 1 is back in Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Japanese Grand Prix was where Max Verstappen won his second Drivers’ Championship in 2022. This year, however, the Qatar Grand Prix may be his earliest opportunity to clinch his 2023 Drivers’ Championship. In contrast, Red Bull could win the Constructors’ Championship for the second time in a row and the sixth time in its history overall. Suzuka, often considered the finest Formula 1 circuit, favours low-downforce vehicles and highly dedicated drivers.
While Ferrari has the former, its results on tracks with high-speed bends lag behind those of McLaren, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and—most importantly—Red Bull. This weekend should see the return of full strength for the Milton Keynes squad, as the RB19’s design features are a near-perfect fit for the layout at Suzuka.
Red Bull has a 308-point advantage over Mercedes and a 332-point advantage over Ferrari. They will win the 2023 F1 constructors’ championship if they exit Suzuka with a lead of 309 points or more. Red Bull has to finish ahead of Mercedes in the Japanese Grand Prix by at least one point.
