Giancarlo Fisichella pinpoints importance of Suzuka race for Ferrari amid Red Bull challenge. Giancarlo Fisichella pinpoints importance of Japan GP for Ferrari.

Japan is a major test, Ferrari is there and Red Bull fears it: Giancarlo Fisichella’s take on F1 in 2024.

By the third grand prix of the season, Scuderia Ferrari breaks Red Bull’s spell, now Japan arouses great curiosity in Giancarlo Fisichella too. Max Verstappen’s Australian retirement has opened the doors to an easy Ferrari one-two: the Prancing Horse is awaited at the Suzuka test to see if the bar can really be raised.

From 2023 to 2024, the rhythm in Formula 1 has been set by the Austrian team, but the context has changed. “Red Bull is always strong, very strong, at least with Verstappen,” explained the former Renault Italian driver.

For Giancarlo Fisichella, interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport, Christian Horner’s team can still enjoy the lead, at least with its most prominent driver. However, the Dutchman showed his first weakness in a long time in Melbourne. He’s human, he too can retire, something that hasn’t happened since the first two races of 2022.

Max Verstappen has become human and beatable. That’s the impression left by the Melbourne weekend. Even this single spearhead Red Bull can be attacked, and the Albert Park one-two has galvanized the environment around Ferrari. Now, Japan is seen as an opportunity for further testing, where Red Bull should be able to show its best.

However, it would be a mistake not to believe in it. It’s 2024, and the first races have shown that the Prancing Horse can play its cards anywhere: “Ferrari is there, while in 2023 it was competing with Mercedes and Aston Martin,” Giancarlo Fisichella recalled.

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“Indeed, there was the one-two. Verstappen retired, that’s true,” reflected the 51-year-old Italian. “But maybe Red Bull is less reliable, more delicate, because it feels the pressure from Ferrari. This leads Max to push the car harder.” – the former Formula 1 driver added.

The Japanese Grand Prix will now be an important litmus test according to the Italian: “We’ll understand on Sunday. Suzuka has everything, speed, direction changes. We’ll be able to understand well where Ferrari stands in relation to Red Bull.” However, Giancarlo Fisichella is certain and concluded with crossed fingers: “I’m sure that Ferrari has improved a lot, especially in terms of tire wear and race pace. Let’s hope for the best.”

Source: f1ingenerale