It wasn't one of the best weekends of 2022 at Singapore by Max Verstappen's standards, with him saying that he took 'zero pleasure' fighting through the midfield after the race.
The Dutchman is already looking forward to what he needs to clinch the World Championship at Suzuka.
Formula 1 visits the circuit for the first time since 2019, the last two years being cancelled owing to Covid restrictions.
"We’re finally back in Japan after what feels like a long time, I can’t wait to race in Suzuka again," says Verstappen.
"I love being in Japan and I have a lot of good memories here, the food is great and the fans are very special, they are very kind and polite.
Verstappen: "Perfect weekend" needed to clinch title
Unlike 2019 there isn't the threat of a typhoon that could disrupt the action, however rain is still forecasted for Friday and Sunday.
Verstappen says that a 'perfect weekend' will be needed to ensure that he secures his second world title.
He explains: "We have another chance to win the Drivers Championship, we have to have a perfect weekend but it could be possible, we’ll give it our all.
"The track is very old school, there’s a lot of fast corners and you have to build throughout each session.
"Let’s see what the weather will do as I hear there is rain incoming so that might spice things up a little bit."
A simple win and getting the fastest lap point will be enough for Verstappen, but there are other permutations if this doesn't go his way.
How Verstappen can become champion in Japan
| Verstappen | Leclerc | Perez |
|---|---|---|
| P1 and fastest lap | Max champion | Max champion |
| P1 | P3 or lower | P2 or lower |
| P2 and fastest lap | P5 or lower | P4 or lower |
| P2 | P5 without fastest lap / P6 or lower | P4 without fastest lap / P5 or lower |
| P3 and fastest lap | P6 or lower | P5 or lower |
| P3 | P7 or lower | P6 or lower |
| P4 and fastest lap | P8 or lower | P7 or lower |
| P4 | P8 without fastest lap / P9 or lower | P7 without fastest lap / P8 or lower |
| P5 and fastest lap | P9 or lower | P8 or lower |
| P5 | P9 without fastest lap / P10 or lower | P8 without fastest lap / P9 or lower |
| P6 and fastest lap | P10 without fastest lap / P11 or lower | P9 or lower |
| P6 | P11 or lower | P9 without fastest lap / P10 or lower |
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