Max Verstappen admits it would be even more special to win Formula 1’s drivers’ championship at the Japanese Grand Prix as it’s Honda’s home race.
Red Bull and Honda still collaborate on the power unit despite the Japanese manufacturer officially pulling out of Formula 1 last year, and the cars will carry prominent Honda branding this weekend. As the race at Suzuka couldn’t take place last year due to COVID-19, this is the first race since 2019 and provides Verstappen with a chance of wrapping up his second title — a result he’d be guaranteed if he wins with the fastest lap.
“It would make it a little bit extra special, because of our relationship with Honda,” Verstappen said. “It was a shame that we couldn’t be here last year, in the title fight. So that’s why we are really looking forward to being back here. We’ll see what happens. We need a perfect weekend, that’s for sure.
While trying to clinch the title, the Dutchman has seen Red Bull’s name at the center of allegations relating to budget cap breaches in recent weeks, but says he’s ignoring the speculation.
“To be honest, I’m not really busy with these kind of things. It’s up to the teams and with the FIA, and I just need to focus on the driving. There’s not much more to say on that. I guess we’ll find out on Monday.”
