Max Verstappen dominantly won the 2024 Japanese GP. The Dutchman led the race from the very first lap and when the pitstop phase cleared out, he regained his lead and never looked back. This was a special win for the Dutchman as it was his first win in front of his stepdaughter, Penelope.
Max Verstappen was en route to claim nine consecutive wins in Australia before his brake-related issue. Moreover, he had a special guest in the form of her partner, Kelly Piquet‘s daughter, Penelope in Australia. The four-year-old was left a bit dejected after Verstappen retired from the race and was waiting for the Dutchman to climb the top step of the podium in front of her so she could cheer her stepfather on.
While reflecting on the race win, Verstappen revealed why winning the Japanese GP was so crucial for him
This wish of the young Penelope was fulfilled in Japan as she was heard cheering for Verstappen during podium celebrations. Later, the 26-year-old revealed that if he had not won the race, Penelope would have thought of herself as bad luck and may have decided not to show up for the following races.
Max Verstappen claims he does not blame his colleagues for leaving Red Bull
The shenanigans going on at Red Bull have not found a resolution yet. The internal turmoil may have motivated personnel within the team to look elsewhere, and one such senior figure in the Red Bull camp was Lee Stevenson.
However, the reigning champion has not blamed the senior engineer for leaving the team and has instead wished Stevenson well for his new venture.
He [Stevenson] got a great opportunity at Sauber, and I don’t blame him for trying something new. And yeah, sometimes in life, you get opportunities and you maybe go a bit out of your comfort zone. You try something new. If it doesn’t work out, you can always come back, right? So, so good.
The 39-year-old has had a vast career that has spanned more than two decades in motorsports. Moreover, Stevenson was part of the Red Bull team for more than 18 years, this raised questions around the paddock. But Verstappen clarified that just like drivers, engineers also find new opportunities and try something new, so it is not Stevenson’s fault for leaving the team to join Sauber.
Next up on the F1 calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix and considering the might that Red Bull showcased around the Suzuka International Circuit, they will be the favorites going into the Shanghai event. Max Verstappen is currently leading the 2024 Drivers Championship with 77 points.
