Verstappen Already Eyes 'Hectic' Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Weekend

Sunday, 07 April 2024 at 12:30

The triple world Champion shared his immediate thoughts after winning the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix race.

Due to a race restart after just one lap, Verstappen had to keep his positions off the line two times in a row, and he managed to do it on both occasions.

Although he suggested the race setup wouldn't be ideal and complained a bit at the beginning of the race, the 26-year-old obviously had all the pace he needed as he crossed the finish line +12.535 seconds ahead of his teammate and +20.866 seconds ahead of Carlos Sainz in P3.

As opposed to the Australian Grand Prix, where he had to retire after less than five laps, everything went smoothly for the triple World Champion this time around, and he's back to winning. He said after the race:

"It was very nice [drive], the critical bit was the start, to stay ahead. After that, the car got better and better for me throughout the race. Pit stops went well, strategy went well, couldn't really have gone better."

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"The last race was a little hiccup but happy to be back here and back on top. It's fantastic to win here!"

Interestingly, Verstappen started his nine-race winning streak during the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix after being beaten by Sainz.

Sainz beat the 26-year-old during the last race and again won the next race in Japan, which could be a prophecy of yet another winning streak. However, he already sees potential trouble next weekend.

Formula 1 will return to China after a four-season break. Since regulations changed, F1 teams have not been at the circuit, and they will only have one practice session to set up their cars ahead of the sprint weekend.