Hamilton’s 'phenomenal' Red Bull prediction | McLaren the threat?

Lewis Hamilton predicts 'phenomenal' Red Bull at Japanese GP after F1 stunned by Singapore shock "I would think that if they're not 30 seconds ahead like they have done in the past then something's up!" says Lewis Hamilton with Red Bull expecting to hit back at Suzuka; McLaren tipped to star too; watch live this weekend on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday's race at 6am Last Updated: 21/09/23 11:12am Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Lewis Hamilton expects Red Bull to be 'phenomenal' in Japan but hopes Mercedes can be closer to them at the front Lewis Hamilton expects Red Bull to be 'phenomenal' in Japan but hopes Mercedes can be closer to them at the front Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton believes there would be "something up" if Red Bull were anything but "phenomenal" around Suzuka this weekend. While Max Verstappen is confident Red Bull will duly be back on form after their Singapore slump on a weekend they can clinch the Constructors' Championship, the Dutchman nonetheless named resurgent McLaren as the team who could pose their biggest threat.The Red Bull-dominated 2023 season produced its biggest shock last week as the runaway championship leaders toiled around Marina Bay's tight and quirky street track. Their rare absence from the front left Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes to wage an almighty battle for victory that went all the way to the final lap. This weekend's fast and flowing sweeps of Suzuka, though, are expected to allow the RB19 to regain more familiar form. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sky F1's Karun Chandhok takes a closer look at the Suzuka Circuit ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix Sky F1's Karun Chandhok takes a closer look at the Suzuka Circuit ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix "I would think that if they're not 30 seconds ahead like they have done in the past then something's up!" Hamilton quipped in Thursday's press conference."But, no, it was obviously a difficult weekend the last one but their car should be phenomenal here."They have been phenomenal all year long, they have aced pretty much every circuit. I mean it's going to be great to watch that car in general."Normally you would come here and it's beautiful to watch the laps that they do because the whole team and the drivers are doing an amazing job with the package they have. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Look back at some of the most memorable moments to have taken place at the Japanese Grand Prix Look back at some of the most memorable moments to have taken place at the Japanese Grand Prix "So it will be interesting to see how the weekend goes. I hope it will be closer and I hope they are not as fast as that 30-second gap they have had in the past."Verstappen, last year's winner at Suzuka, is indeed expecting more normal form to be restored for a car that had won all 14 races up to Singapore."There's not much that you do in Singapore that you do here," he said."So there's not much from my side to worry about, I'm just looking forward to this track. It's already very fun to drive, a lot of good memories for me, and hopefully it will be an enjoyable and strong weekend for the team."Red Bull have been adamant their Singapore slump had nothing to do with the technical directive that came into force last weekend featuring a fresh clampdown on flexible bodywork.Asked again about its impact on his car, Verstappen gestured 'zero' before adding to Sky Italy: "I'll show that weekend.""I'd expect Lando to be next best' - Russell Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Lando Norris congratulates Oscar Piastri on his new contract at McLaren with the Australian 'pushing' him a lot and exceeding expectations in his first season Lando Norris congratulates Oscar Piastri on his new contract at McLaren with the Australian 'pushing' him a lot and exceeding expectations in his first season The 3.6-mile figure-of-eight Suzuka layout is one of season's biggest tests of a car's aerodynamics, with performance in high-speed corners richly rewarded.The suitability of Red Bull's RB19 appears to be a given but Verstappen has also identified another car which could be well suited."It should be a good track for us. Also when you look around, McLaren have been making great gains and they are usually quite good in the high-speed as well so they can be quite strong here I think," he said."It's quite impressive to see where they started and where they are now."Over one lap especially they can be very strong. The race pace you never know, but over one lap I definitely see them very competitive." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player George Russell says he will not let his final lap crash in Singapore affect him and will leave it in the past ahead of the Japanese