Four-time F1 Champion Max Verstappen Tames Expectations for Bahrain GP

Fresh from his triumph at the Japan Grand Prix, four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has expressed cautious optimism as he prepares to take on the Bahrain International Circuit.

A Strong Win in Suzuka but a Tough Race Awaits

Despite his impressive win in Suzuka, which served as a “great boost for the team,” Verstappen acknowledges that the upcoming race will be challenging. In Red Bull’s race preview, he commented, “To win in Japan was an amazing moment for the Team and a perfect send-off for Honda, who we have had such a great relationship and a lot of success with over the years. It is amazing to have four wins in a row there and was a great start to the triple header. It was a good boost for the Team, and now we can hopefully go into this week with a bit more confidence.

Bahrain, known for its technical track and unique night race conditions, promises to be a tough test. Verstappen added, “Bahrain is typically somewhere where we have gone well; the track is very technical, and of course, it is under night race conditions which is a bit different. It is going to be hot, and I think it will be a tough race for us.

Red Bull Struggles with RB21 Performance

The Milton Keynes outfit has been grappling with the performance of its 2025 contender, the RB21, since the start of the season. Rookie Liam Lawson found it difficult to adapt to the car, leading to his demotion to the sister team, Racing Bulls. Verstappen himself has voiced concerns, stating, “There are still things to improve on the car: we are still working on our tyre management and lacking some pace so we will just need to work hard and constantly push the car to its limits. However, I do always enjoy going there so looking forward to seeing what this week brings and hopefully we can maximize the performance of the car as best we can.

Verstappen’s victory in Japan has narrowed the gap between him and current drivers’ championship leader Lando Norris to just one point. With Norris accumulating 62 points from the first three race weekends, and Verstappen amassing 61 points, the stage is set for an exciting battle in Bahrain.