Max Verstappen shone in the spring sunshine of the Japanese Grand Prix’s new early season slot with a victory that served as salutary reminder he is firmly on course for his fourth world championship, and on this form he looks all but unstoppable.
The race has moved from its traditional place at the back end of the calendar for the first time since it was first held here in 1987 and the date has coincided with the Japanese sakura – cherry blossom – season. The trees have adorned the track with a riot of pinks and whites, offering a colourful backdrop for amateur snappers in their hordes and TV producers alike. However, hopes that there would be a matching new bloom of competition on the track were all too swiftly and decisively dashed on the glorious figure‑of‑eight circuit.
