Max Verstappen’s four-year winning run in Japan is under serious threat as Mercedes surge into Suzuka on the back of dominant one-two finishes in Australia and China.
Verstappen, furious with Formula One’s new regulations, has endured a nightmare start — sixth in Melbourne, ninth in the Shanghai sprint, then a retirement in the main race. “Getting on top of our problems is not easy,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, George Russell leads the championship and 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli stunned the sport with his maiden victory in China, becoming the youngest pole-sitter in history. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are closest challengers.
McLaren’s woes continue, with defending champion Lando Norris 36 points adrift and Oscar Piastri yet to start a race.
Suzuka could mark the end of Verstappen’s dominance, or the start of Mercedes’ new era.
