Verstappen sees advantage McLaren and Mercedes: 'Affects strategy'

Max Verstappen clearly has the best papers for victory in the Japanese Grand Prix, but he does mention an advantage that McLaren and Mercedes have over Red Bull Racing.

Before the start of the race, Verstappen shares his expectations with Viaplay and says he is going into the race feeling good. "It's warm, of course. There are fewer clouds today, so the track is a bit warmer. That will make the relegation even more difficult," the Red Bull driver explained.

Because of the high relegation, Verstappen expects 'at least a two-stroke race.' "But McLaren and Mercedes have two sets of hard tyres, so let's see what the strategy will be," he adds.

Red Bull has a good chance of sealing the constructors' title in front of engine manufacturer Honda. Given his good form throughout the weekend, is Verstappen looking extra forward to this race? " There have been several that I was also looking forward to, but this is definitely one of them," said the Dutchman.

Father Jos Verstappen is not present in Japan: he is in Belgium for the East Belgian Rally, which he won on Saturday. "He was in the car back to the hotel, he had won his rally. I think he had been drinking a bit, but he got up for the race. With a bit of a headache though, I think," Verstappen laughed.