Max Verstappen has rejected claims that his and Red Bull's dominance in Formula One this season is making the sport boring. Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the world champion argued that their success should be appreciated as a demonstration of high-level performance, suggesting that 'real fans' would understand this.
Verstappen's comments come after Red Bull suffered their first defeat of the season in Singapore, where Ferrari's Carlos Sainz won a thrilling race. The Dutchman has won 12 of 15 races this year, and Red Bull had been undefeated until Singapore. Verstappen dismissed the notion that a different winner was good for the sport, stating he had 'zero interest' in that perspective.
Red Bull's dominance has been near-total, with only two losses in the last 26 races. Verstappen leads teammate Sergio Pérez by 151 points in the championship, and a win in Japan would all but secure the title. The team is also poised to clinch the constructors' championship at Suzuka if they match Mercedes' points and prevent Ferrari from outscoring them by 24 points.
The poor performance in Singapore is expected to be an anomaly, as the circuit did not suit Red Bull's car. Suzuka's high-speed corners are predicted to favour the RB19, marking a return to form for the team.
Meanwhile, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel made a return to the paddock in Suzuka to promote his biodiversity project, Buzzin' Corner. He has built 11 'insect hotels' at turn two, with kerbs painted in black and yellow to honour bees. Lewis Hamilton praised Vettel's efforts, hoping they inspire other drivers to engage with issues beyond the sport.
