Verstappen expecting Bahrain to "be tough" following Japan GP win

A controlling drive through the Suzuka Circuit saw four time World Champion Max Verstappen hold of the chasing McLaren cars to claim a first victory this season, however the Dutchman still believes Bahrain "will be tough" as he looks to deliver back to back wins.

Verstappen and Red Bull celebrate dominant victory in Japan. credit: Red Bull Racing content pool

The victory at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for Verstappen and Red Bull surprised many, especially McLaren, who did not have any form of answer to mount a real challenge on the blistering Dutchman. While a massive boost for the Milton Keynes team and Verstappen himself, the number one driver still believes he has an uphill battle against the grid in Bahrain this week.

"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," Verstappen said while speaking at the official Red Bull Bahrain race preview.

"It is amazing to have four wins in a row there [Japan] 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."

Verstappen claimed victory at Bahrain in 2024. credit: Red Bull Racing content pool

"Bahrain is typically somewhere where we have gone well," Verstappen continued. "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 think it will be a tough race for us."

With the win at Suzuka under the Dutchman's belt, he now moves one point behind McLaren's Lando Norris in the 2025 Drivers' Championship standings. Despite this, Verstappen remains optimistic yet cautious and realistic going into the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.

"There are still some 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 the limit. However, I do always enjoy going there so looking forward to seeing what this week brings and hopefully we can maximise the performance of the car as best we can," Verstappen concluded.