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“Four laps to go, Max.” This apparent nonsense over the on-board radio, a normal message from race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, was the starting signal for Max Verstappen to show his muscles in Japan. The reigning world champion put his affairs in order at Suzuka and proved to everyone in the final phase how dominant he currently is.
With a maximum score of 25, Verstappen was the big winner of the Japanese Grand Prix. After four hours, the sparring partner Lewis Hamilton came in six seconds later.
“Yeah, baby!” Aleksandr Tokmaaaovic shouts so hard into the ears of Verstappen that they immediately sprout red. And then the relief: “Come on, Max, you did it.” Win number six this season.
“I did not expect that I would have 53 points ahead at this stage, but it is, of course, nice,” says Verstappen. “These are the moments that give you wings. I was always on the heels of Lewis Hamilton. He is one of the greats within Formula 1. Therefore, special to win this way.”
For Hamilton there was the realization that it will be difficult to grab the seventh world title for the Briton. “Congratulations to Max, he drives better than me at races. So, it is not surprising that he will be the winner,” the loser was very realistic.
After this race, the pressure on the shoulders of Hamilton will only increase. The advantage of Verstappen over Hamilton is no longer a matter of one or two points. It is the result of six victories, a sum that can certainly not be underestimated.
For Verstappen, the pressure is now on, and demonstrating psychological resilience has been a focal part of his approach this season. Hamilton, being a seasoned competitor, also understands the mental game necessary to succeed at the top level of Formula 1.
The upcoming races will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the championship. With both drivers at the peak of their performance, the battle for the world title will unfold in dramatic fashion, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end of the season.