In a stunning feat at the Suzuka Circuit, Max Verstappen achieved what Lewis Hamilton and other legends couldn’t, clinching his fourth consecutive victory in Japan. Previously unmatched, this record-breaking achievement overshadowed Michael Schumacher’s three straight wins from 2000 to 2002. Verstappen, starting from pole position, overcame fierce competition from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, showcasing his unrivaled prowess in one of Red Bull Racing’s most challenging weekends.
Verstappen’s remarkable success at Suzuka was unexpected, particularly since Red Bull’s car was anticipated to be the third or fourth fastest. This victory is significant not only because Suzuka is hailed as one of Formula 1’s premier events but also due to Red Bull Racing’s long-standing collaboration with Honda, which is set to end in 2026. The Honda partnership holds personal importance for Verstappen, who has often attributed his career milestones to their engineering excellence.
On the cooldown lap, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase praised the Dutchman, stating, “That’s perfection, just perfection, Max, fantastic.” Verstappen, filled with emotion, expressed his gratitude by responding, “Wow! Thank you, guys! Wow! What a great weekend, what an unbelievable turnaround after the difficult start, you see, we never give up, we just keep pushing together.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, lauded Verstappen’s performance as one of his finest, remarking, “That was a truly inspirational performance, as you said, we never give up, well done mate.” Verstappen’s joy was palpable as he exited the car, acknowledging the arduous journey to optimizing the car’s performance over the weekend.
The weekend was an emotional one for Verstappen, partly because of his cherished memories with Honda. He reflected, ”It means a lot to me, it was in the back of my mind the last few laps thinking ‘wow I need to stay ahead, it would be a great story’. A final farewell race here with Honda in Japan and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over all those years together and this is a perfect send off.”
While Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have each dominated the Suzuka track, they only secured two consecutive wins, further amplifying Verstappen’s achievement. Hamilton, despite his illustrious career, which includes many triumphant moments at Suzuka, was never able to reach four consecutive victories there, underscoring the rarity of Verstappen’s record.
Adding to the accolades, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s head of driver development, emphasized Verstappen’s flawless execution, saying, “Not a single mistake, driving absolutely on the limit. Only he can do that, of course, that was clear to see. Actually, the other car was faster, but he stayed in control the whole time, managed the gap, masterfully done.”
The impact of Verstappen’s win at Suzuka is profound, not just for setting a new benchmark but also for highlighting Red Bull’s synergy with Honda, which has been instrumental in his career. As Honda transitions to Aston Martin, the spotlight shifts back to the British team’s future strategies and partnerships.
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s victory sets the stage for future races where Lewis Hamilton and other competitors will undoubtedly seek to reclaim dominance. With Suzuka now etched into his legacy, Verstappen’s record signifies not just a personal triumph but a fresh chapter in Formula 1’s storied history.
