"Stella will give me the look!" | Japan review, Max back on top, do McLaren need to take more risks? And what’s going on with Ferrari?

In this episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, the hosts kick off their discussion on a bullet train traveling from Nagoya to Tokyo, highlighting the speed of their journey while they converse about the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite limited action in the race, there are numerous topics to cover, particularly focusing on Max Verstappen's remarkable qualifying lap at Suzuka, which surprised both viewers and the Red Bull team. His lap is described as one of the best they've seen, showcasing his skill in mastering a challenging circuit.

The hosts delve into the race itself, noting that it resembled a 'snooze fest' with minimal overtaking and the top ten finishing in their qualifying order, with exceptions for a couple of drivers. They express disappointment at the lack of aggressive racing strategies from teams like McLaren, especially regarding Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Discussion shifts to Ferrari's struggles with their car's performance and how they might be falling behind as the season progresses.

Attention then turns to Yuki Tsunoda, racing at home, and the difficulties he faced during the race. The hosts share feelings of empathy for drivers like Jack Duman, who have yet to score points this season. They also touch upon the significance of upcoming races in Bahrain, anticipating warmer temperatures and potential changes in car performance. Despite the dull nature of the race, the episode wraps up with a humorous look at the day's events and notes on cultural experiences in Japan and the highlights of their rides on the Shinkansen.