Max Verstappen Dominates 2025 Japanese Grand Prix to Secure First Win of the Season
Red Bull’s reigning World Champion Max Verstappen wins the Formula 1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix holding off McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at Suzuka in a tense finish, closing in on championship lead.
Formula 1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix Race Results:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) : 1:22:06.983
- Lando Norris (McLaren) : +1.423s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) : +2.129s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) : +16.097s
- George Russell (Mercedes) : +17.362s
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) : +18.671s
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) : +29.182s
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) : +37.134s
- Alex Albon (Williams) : +40.367s
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) : +54.529s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) : +57.333s
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) : +58.401s
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) : +62.122s
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) : +74.129s
- Jack Doohan (Alpine) : +81.314s
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) : +81.957s
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) : +82.734s
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) : +83.438s
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) : +83.897s
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) : +1 lap
Race Highlights
Verstappen Returns to Winning Ways at Suzuka
Max Verstappen stormed to his first win of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Japanese Grand Prix, held at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, claiming his fourth straight victory at the venue. Starting from pole, the Dutchman held off relentless pressure from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, sealing his 64th career win and moving just one point behind Norris in the drivers’ championship standings.
Pit Lane Drama Between Verstappen and Norris
The race saw its most dramatic moment during the first round of pit stops. A marginally slow stop from Verstappen allowed Norris to challenge him at the pit exit, nearly going side-by-side before being forced onto the grass. Although both drivers protested via team radio, the stewards opted against launching an investigation, allowing Verstappen to maintain track position.
McLaren Pushes Red Bull to the Limit
With Piastri closing in on Norris in the final 10 laps, the intra-team battle briefly threatened McLaren’s double podium. But Norris upped his pace just in time, cutting into Verstappen’s lead, though falling short by just 1.4 seconds at the chequered flag. Piastri had to settle for third, a commendable finish on his 24th birthday.
Ferrari and Mercedes Shine in Midfield
Charles Leclerc took a solid fourth for Ferrari, while George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli finished fifth and sixth respectively for Mercedes. Antonelli even led the race temporarily after a long first stint, continuing his impressive rookie campaign. Lewis Hamilton finished seventh, moving up from his starting position.
Rookie Highlights: Hadjar and Bearman Score Points
Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar scored his first points of the season with an eighth-place finish. Alex Albon took ninth for Williams, while Ollie Bearman secured the final point for Haas in tenth. Notably, Fernando Alonso finished a race for the first time this season, ending 11th.
Tsunoda’s Red Bull Debut Ends Outside Points But Wins Fan Vote
Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, making his Red Bull debut in front of his home crowd, could only manage 12th place, but was voted Driver of the Day by fans. His former teammate Pierre Gasly finished 13th for Alpine, with teammate Jack Doohan in 15th.
Championship Shake-Up and What’s Next
Verstappen’s win puts him just one point behind Norris in the championship, with Piastri climbing to third overall. F1 now heads directly to Bahrain for the next round in the first triple-header of the season, taking place from April 11–13.
