Verstappen says rain could 'spice up' Japanese Grand Prix

Title-chasing Max Verstappen said on Wednesday that the prospect of rain at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix could "spice things up" as he looks to clinch his second straight Formula One championship.

The flying Dutchman can claim the title with four races to spare in Suzuka if he gains eight points on nearest rival Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and six on Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

The Japanese Grand Prix is returning after a three-year absence because of the coronavirus pandemic, and rain has been forecast for Sunday's race.

Verstappen has dominated this season's championship with 11 wins from 17 Grands Prix and he predicted an "exciting race with changing conditions" as he spoke to reporters in Tokyo.

"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," said the 25-year-old, who finished seventh at last week's Singapore Grand Prix.

"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."

A heavy rainstorm caused a delay of more than an hour to the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, which was won by Perez.

To get The Undercut delivered to your inbox, you must be logged in to your free News24 profile.

Once you're registered, go to 'My Newsletters' under your profile and search for The Undercut under the Sport category.

Sign up at no cost and browse through a range of News24 newsletters to choose from.

Verstappen's seventh-place finish edged him closer to the title and he will become only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the championship with four races to spare if he gets the job done in Suzuka.

Verstappen has