Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Japanese Grand Prix to secure his first victory of the 2025 Formula One season — and his fourth consecutive triumph at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. The reigning World Champion crossed the line ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a race that showcased the Red Bull driver’s trademark composure and ruthlessness.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was effusive in his praise post-race, declaring Verstappen “the best driver in the world currently” — a sentiment few would argue with after a masterclass under pressure.
Verstappen launched cleanly from pole and kept both McLarens at bay in the opening stint. The flashpoint came during the first round of pit stops, when a slightly sluggish stop for the Dutchman led to Norris nearly leapfrogging him at pit exit. The two cars went wheel-to-wheel, with Norris briefly taking to the grass as Verstappen muscled back ahead — an incident that sparked sharp radio protests but no formal investigation from the stewards.
With Verstappen retaining the lead, the race settled into a tense strategic battle. Norris began to close the gap in the closing laps as pressure mounted from team mate Piastri behind, but the McLarens’ charge came too late. Verstappen took the chequered flag to claim his 64th career win, narrowing the championship gap to just one point behind leader Norris.
Norris held on for second, fending off Piastri’s advances as the Australian marked his 24th birthday with a podium finish. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed fourth, with George Russell and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli in fifth and sixth respectively — the Italian impressing with a stint in the lead during the pit cycle.
Lewis Hamilton brought his Ferrari home in seventh, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar, who scored his first points of the season in eighth. Williams’ Alex Albon took ninth, with Haas driver Ollie Bearman rounding out the top ten.
Veteran Fernando Alonso narrowly missed out on points in 11th but managed to finish — a marked improvement after failing to see the flag in the season’s first two races.
Japan’s own Yuki Tsunoda made his Red Bull debut at home but had to settle for 12th despite fan support landing him the Driver of the Day award. Former team mate Pierre Gasly followed in 13th for Alpine, ahead of Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Jack Doohan (Alpine).
Nico Hulkenberg was 16th for Kick Sauber, just ahead of Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Haas’ Esteban Ocon came home in 18th, with Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) completing the order.
The result leaves the championship finely poised, with Verstappen breathing down Norris’ neck at the top of the standings, and Piastri leapfrogging Russell into third. With momentum back on his side, Verstappen’s title defence is now very much alive.
