The Dutch driver and the Red Bull team look so strong and fears will grow that the sport’s new fans may not last the distance
Formula One will consider the new timing of the Japanese Grand Prix a success, moving from its traditional late-season slot to an earlier date amid the cherry blossom of spring. But the result in Suzuka, and reaction to it, might have senior F1 executives feeling a little more nervous about the rest of the season.
This year is set to be the longest ever F1 championship, a 24-race haul that does not conclude until early December in Abu Dhabi. So it will be concerning that as early as race four, won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the world championship is already being written off as a done deal by Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal.
