2 Times F1 Champ Issues Warning to Max Verstappen Ahead of Crucial Japanese GP

Mika Hakkinen sure knows a thing or two about sealing the deal at the Japanese GP. Hakkinen won both of his World Championships on the iconic track of Suzuka. Fascinatingly, the ‘Flying Finn’ warned the soon-to-be double champion, Max Verstappen, ahead of this weekend’s Japanese GP.

Suzuka is also a special track for the Dutch Lion. He made his official F1 debut in the Japanese GP, back in 2014. It’s safe to say that Max Verstappen has not looked back since. He first became the youngest race winner in F1 and soon became the driver to end Lewis Hamilton’s run of 4 consecutive championships.

However, Mika Hakkinen has issued a stern warning to Verstappen. The Finn wants Max to attack the race, and not just sit back. Mika said, “It is certain that it is of great interest to the whole team and especially for Max to be able to finish this year and decide, in Suzuka, on this world championship.” [Translated from Google Translate]

The Finn further added, “But for some reason, when you are in this position when you say to yourself, “I’m almost sure I’ll get it, I don’t even need to win a race, if I’m in the top 3 twice, that’s enough”, you lose a little concentration.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen Unleashes Chaos With “Horny” Message to Daniel Ricciardo: “Don’t Hear a No”

The double-world champion concluded by explaining how losing a little concentration in F1 can cost you dearly. He added, “I am sure that Max will have to increase his concentration level more than normal in Suzuka, to turn this pressure into something positive.”

Former F1 driver does not want the FIA to hand Hamilton the title from Max Verstappen

It would be a bit unfair if Max Verstappen’s title is handed over to Lewis Hamilton if Red Bull is found guilty of breaching the budget cap. The RBR team has been heavily rumored to be one of two teams to breach the financial cap. Max Verstappen won the title against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi last year in a controversial manner.

Former Force India driver Paul di Resta does not believe that would be a fair decision by the FIA. The FIA was due to post the results of the verdict on Wednesday. However, they have now pushed it further away to Monday.

Paul di Resta does not believe it is possible to “rewind the championship 10 months” and hand Hamilton the title. The Brit added that changing the champion after the title race has ended is not “the right thing to do”.

The speculation comes after Auto Motor and Sport reported Red Bull may have breached the budget cap last season by as much as $10M.

Verstappen is within touching distance of being crowned a double world champion. However, it is important for him to not take his foot off the pedal. He will be looking to seal the deal like so many others before him in Japan. Can Max Verstappen seal the deal by winning the Japanese GP?