Verstappen needs a perfect weekend

SUZUKA. — Max Verstappen said yesterday that he needs “a perfect weekend” to clinch his second straight Formula One championship at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s runaway championship leader can secure the title at Suzuka if he gains eight points on nearest rival Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and six on team-mate Sergio Perez.

That would happen if Verstappen wins the race and claims the fastest lap, or if he finishes first and Leclerc finishes lower than second place.

The flying Dutchman is trying not to think too hard about wrapping up the title, despite 12 previous Formula One world champions having been crowned at the Japanese Grand Prix.

“It would be very nice if it was here, but if it doesn’t happen here I will be even more in favour the next race,” said the 25-year-old, who missed the chance to clinch the championship at last week’s Singapore Grand Prix after a seventh-place finish.

“It doesn’t really change anything, you just want to have a good weekend and maximise everything you can.

“I need a perfect weekend to be able to clinch the title here but to be honest I’m not really thinking about it too much.”

Verstappen would become only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the title with four races to spare if he gets the job done in Suzuka. The Japanese Grand Prix returns after a three-year absence because of Covid and Verstappen is excited to be competing in front of the “crazy” Japanese fans again.

“They’re very passionate — crazy but in a good way, and they really dress up,” said Verstappen, who has won 11 of 17 races so far this season.

“You could see quite a few people walking around with a DRS rear wing on their heads. It shows you how popular motor sport is in Japan.” — AFP.