5 big questions that need answers at the Japanese Grand Prix

Formula 1 is back at Suzuka for the first time in three years with the Japanese Grand Prix being held this weekend.

It’s a track that is hugely popular with the drivers and a venue that plenty of fans love, and it’s great to have it back on the calendar.

What are the big questions that need answers going into this weekend, then? We take a look now…

The likes of Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen have all won world titles at this famous old circuit, and Max Verstappen bids to add his name to that list this weekend.

His first shot at winning the 2022 crown in Singapore didn’t really go to plan but he has a much better chance of sealing the deal this weekend anyway, and in front of Honda bigwigs that would certainly be pleasing for Red Bull.

READ MORE: HOW VERSTAPPEN CAN WIN THE TITLE IN JAPAN

Sergio Perez can still mathematically win the title this year but he could well be ruled out of it come the end of this weekend, even if the championship is not won by Max come the chequered flag.

Perez has admitted that he is very much focusing on next season now and trying to build momentum for that, with him starting off in decent fashion in terms of that aim by sealing a fine win at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend.

He’ll be aiming for more of that in Suzuka.

Alpine found themselves losing a lot of ground in the battle with McLaren for fourth in the Constructors’ championship in Singapore, with them suffering a double retirement as the Woking-based team finished P4 and P5.

That saw Alpine drop to 5th in the standings with just four points between the teams, and this battle is getting very tasty indeed.

Can Alpine hit back, or will McLaren extend their lead?

As well as the battle for fourth, the