It’s coming to something when, just four races into a Formula 1 season, the main narrative is along the lines of, ‘well, at least the number two driver at the top team is doing better than usual’.
Bearing in mind the characteristics of the Suzuka circuit play beautifully to the strengths of the Red Bull, few expected anything other than another tour de force from Max Verstappen. Only the event’s switch to spring – and the likely colder weather exacerbating one of Red Bull’s few weaknesses, in the form of tyre warm-up – offered any hope to the rest.
