We’re not too impressed with McLaren in this one, so much so that Dre has adopted a new phrase to describe their Japanese Grand Prix weekend – Scared money don’t make none.
Max Verstappen had a flawless weekend at Suzuka, taking a surprise pole position ahead of the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, and then led almost every single lap with the dirty air of the track holding McLaren back from a direct attack. But was it a case of Team Papaya playing conversation in terms of strategy, with Norris coming in for his only stop on the same lap as Verstappen?
It leads to a greater conversation about Suzuka’s status on the track and whether the dirty air it generates makes it worthwhile. Look out for RJ systemically picking apart just why it really isn’t that simple.
There’s also talk about Yuki Tsunoda’s first weekend at Red Bull, Liam Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls and being outshone by Isack Hadjar, and Jack Doohan’s shocking FP1 crash. Enjoy!
