This weekend at Suzuka, several F1 teams are poised to introduce critical car upgrades, with leading contenders Red Bull and Ferrari among them.
De Telegraaf, a well-regarded Dutch publication with ties to Max Verstappen's entourage, reported that the 2024 Red Bull car will receive "a significant package of updates" in Japan.
La Repubblica, an Italian newspaper, noted that Ferrari is planning "a small modification to the rear suspension," setting the stage for a more comprehensive set of enhancements for when the series returns to Europe at Imola.
Despite Red Bull's expected advantage in Suzuka's fast, technical turns, the team remains vigilant, especially after Ferrari's Carlos Sainz led a one-two finish in Melbourne.
"The other teams have clearly closed the gap," remarked Sergio Perez during the F1 Tokyo Festival, highlighting the fierce competitiveness in qualifying. "Especially in qualifying, it's often within half a tenth. So one or two tenths can make a big difference," he added, underscoring the importance of small margins not just in qualifying but in the race as well.
The Suzuka weekend may be further complicated by the weather, with rain forecasted and a tsunami alert issued following an earthquake in Taiwan.
"It's spring but it's raining today," Verstappen joked, mentioning his pre-race skiing trip in Niseko. "I enjoy being in Japan at this time of year. The calendar makes a bit more sense now."
"I think it's important to have a change of pace in order to compete in F1, with so many races," the championship leader remarked, referring to his recent technical DNF in Australia as a rare setback.
"That's why I'm glad that I was able to ski, which I love, and have some time to feel fresh again. Now we want to show again that we are very fast. Over the past two years but especially last year, Suzuka was a very good weekend for me," Verstappen added, hopeful for a repeat performance.
Regarding his brake issue in Melbourne, he maintains a balanced outlook. "It's a very long season so I try to look at everything very neutrally, both the highs and the lows. We did not find anything that indicates any fundamental problems with the car."
Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, also expressed optimism at the Tokyo event, believing the team has closed the gap to Red Bull. "We've made a significant step forward this year, and we hope we will be in a position to fight with Red Bull and Max until the end," Vasseur stated, acknowledging the tight competition.
"Melbourne was our best race, but we weren't far behind the Red Bulls anywhere. The gaps are very small now. Everyone is very evenly matched. It's a great feeling to travel to a country and know that you can win the race. We didn't do that well here last year, but in these types of corners, the fast corners, we have become better than last year. We are only talking about gaps of one or two tenths per lap now. That means that everything is open, even if I am convinced that Red Bull will be very strong here," added Vasseur, setting the stage for a closely contested race.
