Verstappen started the season in typically dominant form, winning emphatically in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia while Ferrari toiled behind, and while Australia was an anomaly, the Dutchman has won in Japan for the past two years and Suzuka is one of his favourite 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 Melbourne race. “So we need to be proud that we have had a great run with nine wins in a row and we can come back stronger for Suzuka.”

Verstappen 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.

And while he romped home by almost 20 seconds from second-placed Lando Norris last year, 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 finished 2.3 seconds ahead of teammate Leclerc, who now trails Verstappen by only four points in the drivers’ standings after three races.

“The team deserves this one-two, we did a fantastic job all weekend,” said Sainz, who is fourth overall, 11 points behind Verstappen.

“We executed a perfect race, nailed the strategy and the mechanics were incredible, delivering precise and quick pit stops every single time.”

Suzuka is a popular track with almost all the drivers on the grid, including Sauber pair Valtteri Bottas, who won there in 2019 with Mercedes, and Zhou Guanyu.

The teammates arrive in Japan on the back of a disappointing performance in Melbourne, where they finished 14th and 15th respectively, and are still seeking a car that can compete in the middle of the pack.

Despite having the pace to challenge those around them, Sauber have had a difficult start to the season, and team representative Alessandro Bravi said they had been working “day and night to resolve our pit stop issues”.

There have been other trouble spots, and damage Zhou sustained to his car after hitting a curb during qualifying in Australia left him at the back of the grid.

“Melbourne didn’t go as expected for us, but we regrouped as a team, and we are now motivated to bounce back,” the Chinese driver said. “We know we still have work to do, on and off track, but, as an important positive, the race pace we showed in Australia looked quite competitive, and I’m keen on working on extracting the most out of our car again.

“If we manage to place ourselves in favourable spots on the grid, and achieve a clean start, we have a chance to charge through and aim for points.”