Verstappen poised to bounce back in Japan but Ferrari threatens

SUZUKA, Japan – Max Verstappen is hot favorite for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix after failing to finish in Australia, but Ferrari is primed to exploit any slip-ups.

Triple world champion Verstappen retired from a race for the first time in two years after a brake issue in Melbourne caused smoke to billow from his Red Bull.

Carlos Sainz took the checkered flag and teammate Charles Leclerc followed to claim a one-two finish for Ferrari a fortnight ago.

Verstappen had started the season in typically dominant form, winning emphatically in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia while Ferrari toiled behind.

The tables turned in Australia, but the Dutchman has won in Japan for the past two years and Suzuka is one of his favorite circuits.

The sweeping bends and dramatic elevation changes allow Verstappen to make the most of his Red Bull's superior speed, although rain is forecast for Sunday's race.

"We knew a day like this could come at some point," Verstappen said of his premature Melbourne exit.

"So we need to be proud that we have had a great run with nine races (wins) in a row and we can come back stronger for Suzuka."

Verstappen's troubles in Australia compounded a turbulent start to the season for Red Bull, whose grands prix wins were overshadowed by team disunity and allegations against boss Christian Horner.

Verstappen, who said in Australia that he intends to see out his contract with the all-conquering team, will be hoping to find calm at Suzuka.

He has frequently spoken of his love for the "old school" circuit, where he clinched his second world title in 2022 and helped Red Bull seal the constructor's crown last year.

Verstappen romped home by almost 20 seconds from second-placed Lando Norris last year.

This year's race has been shifted forward in the calendar from its traditional late-season slot.

The reigning world champion could face a stiffer challenge this time round if Sainz's victory in Melbourne is anything to go by.

The Spaniard, who will be replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton next season, returned from an appendicitis operation that caused him to miss the previous race in Saudi Arabia.

He finished 2.3 seconds ahead of team-mate Leclerc, who now trails