PRACTICE DEBRIEF: Red Bull appear to be back on form in Japan but is there still hope for rival teams?

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto
SUZUKA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 22: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red BullSUZUKA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 22: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 22, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Normal service was resumed in Suzuka as Max Verstappen took his familiar position at the top of the timesheets, following a lacklustre performance last time out in Singapore. But will he have it all his own way in qualifying and the race – or could the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin get in on the act?

Red Bull back in control at Suzuka

“From Lap 1, the car was enjoyable to drive.” The chilled, smiley demeanour that has characterised Max Verstappen for most of the season was back on Friday, as the Red Bull racer danced his RB19 around Suzuka with aplomb.