Suzuka, you are special! 2023 Japanese GP Preview

The Formula 1 circus travels Far East to race in Suzuka, one of the most-legendary circuits on the calendar. The Japanese Formula 1 fans are special for their love for the sport transcends team-driver boundaries. 

But of course, they've got Yuki Tsunoda to cheer for, for yet another race. But will he be there in 2024? Should an extension announcement come this weekend?

The key question, though, is - will Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen resume their dominant ways? OR has the 'flexi' technical directive literally slowed them down this much? 

Will Charles Leclerc bounce back at Ferrari? We can't recollect when last was he out-qualified and out-scored by a team-mate for three races in row. Yes, Carlos Sainz has been in splendid form post-summer break.

What about Aston Martin? Will McLaren catch them by the end of the season in the Constructors' Championship? And of course, Alpine needs to resurrect form and luck as well, not necessarily in that order though.

Suzuka is a gorgeous circuit, the corners are iconic, technical and fast-flowy. There's every reason that the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix will be a belter!

Tune in.

(Season 2023, Episode 50)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

**Japanese Grand Prix Preview:**

- The Formula 1 circus heads to Suzuka, Japan, for one of the most iconic races on the calendar.
- Japanese fans are passionate about Formula 1 and will be eager to see their driver, Yuki Tsunoda, perform well.
- The big question is whether Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen can continue their dominance or if the new technical directive has slowed them down.
- Charles Leclerc needs to bounce back after being out-qualified and outscored by Carlos Sainz in the last three races.
- Aston Martin and McLaren are battling for fifth place in the Constructors' Championship.
- Alpine needs to improve its form and luck.
- Suzuka is a gorgeous circuit with challenging corners and fast-flowing sections.

**Key Points:**

- Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen have been dominant this season, but the new technical directive may have slowed them down.
- Charles Leclerc has been outperformed by Carlos Sainz in recent races and needs to bounce back.
- Aston Martin and McLaren are fighting for fifth place in the Constructors' Championship.
- Alpine needs to improve its form and luck.
- Suzuka is a challenging and exciting circuit that is a favorite among drivers and fans.

**Predictions:**

- Sergio Perez could have a good weekend at Suzuka, given his past success at the circuit.
- Lando Norris could also be a contender for a strong result.

**Overall Message:**

The Japanese Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling race with several storylines to follow. Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen will be looking to continue their dominance, while Ferrari and Charles Leclerc will be hoping to bounce back. Aston Martin and McLaren will be battling for fifth place in the Constructors' Championship, and Alpine will be looking to improve its form and luck. Suzuka is a challenging and exciting circuit that is sure to produce a memorable race. # Inside Line F1 Podcast: Japanese Grand Prix Preview

## Introduction:

* The Formula 1 circus heads to Suzuka, Japan, for the iconic Japanese Grand Prix.
* Japanese fans are known for their fervent support for the sport, transcending team and driver boundaries.
* Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver, will be a焦点of attention, with speculation about his future beyond 2023.

## Key Questions:

* Can Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen regain their dominance, or has the 'flexi' technical directive hindered their performance?
* Will Charles Leclerc bounce back from a string of poor results and outshine his teammate, Carlos Sainz, who has been in excellent form?
* Can Aston Martin fend off McLaren in the Constructors' Championship, and will Alpine rediscover their form and luck?

## Suzuka Circuit:

* The Suzuka circuit is renowned for its iconic, technical, and fast-flowing corners, promising an exciting race.

## Predictions and Insights:

* McLaren has shown improved performance since the Austrian Grand Prix upgrade, matching Ferrari and Red Bull Racing in terms of points.
* Lando Norris has been the standout driver for McLaren, while Oscar Piastri's performance in Singapore may be affected by not receiving the latest updates.
* The qualifying gap between Norris and Piastri in Singapore could be even closer in Suzuka, making for an intriguing battle.

## Conclusion:

* The Japanese Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling race, with unpredictable outcomes and intense competition.
* Fans can expect a captivating spectacle at Suzuka, one of the most beloved circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.