Max Verstappen delivered a masterful performance at the Japanese GP, leaving Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe “grateful” for a dream send-off.
The race marked Honda’s final home outing with Red Bull before their switch to Aston Martin in 2026, and Verstappen ensured they departed Suzuka with a victory to remember.
The Dutch superstar shocked McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by snatching pole position with a lap that smashed the Suzuka circuit record. His blistering pace set the tone for a commanding win, fending off the McLaren duo with a display of precision and grit.
For Honda, who have powered Verstappen to four consecutive Suzuka triumphs, it was the perfect parting gift.
“Everything aligned perfectly, and he secured his fourth straight win here,” Watanabe said in an interview with As-web.
“I’m thrilled and deeply thankful for this victory at Suzuka, his last with us alongside Red Bull. Working with Max has been a true privilege for our team.”
Verstappen’s heroics in the tricky RB21 chassis drew widespread acclaim, with pundits hailing one of his finest pole laps ever.
Watanabe admitted he was left in awe, pointing to the champion’s emotional drive as the difference-maker. “His technical brilliance shone through, but it was more than that, he raced with real passion,” he added.
“Max knew this was our final Suzuka together, and you could feel that fire in his driving. It was incredibly moving to watch.”
The result capped a triumphant chapter for Honda and Red Bull, who have dominated recent seasons with Verstappen at the wheel.
As Honda prepare to link up with Aston Martin, they leave Red Bull with memories of a driver who pushed beyond the limits for their home crowd.
Formula 1 now heads to the Bahrain Grand Prix, where teams will tackle 57 laps of the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on Sunday, 13 April. Fans are eager to see if Verstappen and Red Bull can carry their Suzuka momentum into the season’s next battle.
