Max Verstappen looking forward to the Suzuka Circuit's 'old-school' nature

On the brink of winning his second consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen relishes the prospect of rain at the Japanese Grand Prix.

To win the Drivers' Championship at the Suzuka track this weekend, the Dutchman will need to outscore second-placed Charles Leclerc by eight points and third-placed Sergio Perez by six.

The Japanese Grand Prix has been absent from the F1 race calendar for the last three years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Verstappen is eager to return to the land of the rising sun.

Rain is a real possibility for the upcoming race, but Verstappen has proven himself highly capable in the wet.

"Let's see what the weather will do because I see there is a bit of rain forecast. That might spice things up a little bit," he said.

"We're looking forward to Suzuka again because we're on a high as a team, we've won a lot of races in a row now, and of course, we want to keep that momentum going."

Verstappen is also excited about testing himself on what he describes as an "old school" circuit.

"Nothing feels like here in Suzuka because of just the old-school nature - the gravel and the grass," he added. "You know you have to really build up your confidence and really build up to the limit."

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