Column: Jos Verstappen - It all started at Suzuka

Published on 25 September 2015 by Stefan Meens

Jos Verstappen is still the Netherlands most successful Formula 1 driver. This season he shares his opinions regarding the sport via a column in Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf. Below the latest edition.

“Max' driving in Singapore gained a lot of attention. Nevertheless, we quickly focussed on the tasks at hand. On Monday after the Grand Prix, we travelled to Japan. First we went to Fuji circuit were Max had some Renault PR to take car off. From Tuesday onwards, we've been at Suzuka where, this Sunday, the Japanese Grand Prix is hosted.

What I want to point out with this is that in racing there isn't a lot of time to enjoy the past. But it's great the see how Max confirmed in Singapore what a real racer he is. He showed that he can put in a great performance despite the odds being against him.

Of course there was the situation in which Max refused to let Carlos by, but that was resolved quickly. With both the team and Carlos.

Now we're all looking ahead. The race at Suzuka won't be easy. It's a beautiful circuit. It's comparable to Silverstone in England. The first part has a lot of corners following each other in quick succession. It's essential you have a good car there. Then there's a couple of long straights with a high top speed. In these parts, you need a good engine.

That was actually an extra bonus in Singapore. We knew that the circuit suited Max' car but everyone was pleasantly surprises by the speed. Max was even the fastest man on track during a couple of laps.

I don’t think Singapore was necessarily a turning point in this year's Formula 1 season. Prior to the race we knew that the twisty street circuit would favour the Red Bulls and the Ferraris. But to see Mercedes struggle so much with the tyres is something no one expected. Nevertheless, I think it was a one-off weekend and I expect normal service will resume.

Suzuka is ideal for Mercedes' fast cars and after Singapore, the team will have dialled back some of the innovations so I expect Hamilton and Rosberg to dominate.

Personally I don’t hold too many fond memories of Japanese Grand Prix. In my time it was always one of the last races on the calendar and I never really had any good results here. Unfortunately it was always the car. Often it was one big drama.

For Max, the situation could not be more different. A year ago, here he drove his first official laps in Formula 1. Back then it was just free practice, now he's racing here. Looking back, he's had a fascinating, useful and beautiful year."

Jos Verstappen

Source: De Telegraaf/Telesport

Click here to participate in a contest for the Japanese GP and win Verstappen-goodies!