Verstappen wins Japanese GP to claim first victory of 2025 season

Max Verstappen secured his first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season, leading from pole to chequered flag at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull driver, a four-time world champion, crossed the line almost 1.5 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris, who held off his teammate, Oscar Piastri, to finish in third.

The victory, achieved on a damp but drying Suzuka track, marked Verstappen's fourth consecutive win in Japan and brought him to within one point of Norris in the drivers' championship standings.

"It was tough. The McLarens were pushing me very hard," Verstappen admitted. "It was a lot of fun, but not easy pushing the tyres. I am incredibly happy. Starting from pole made it possible to win."

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished in fourth, while Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli came in fifth and sixth, respectively. Lewis Hamilton, also from Ferrari, placed seventh, with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar finishing eighth. Williams' Alex Albon and Haas' Oliver Bearman rounded out the top ten.

Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson at Red Bull for his home race, finished 12th after starting 14th on the grid. Lawson, meanwhile, ended up 17th.

Verstappen and Norris were involved in a brief confrontation mid-race as they emerged from their pit stops. Norris drew up alongside Verstappen, but the Dutchman refused to yield, forcing Norris onto the grass before the McLaren driver slid back onto the track. Norris remarked, "He forced me off," while Verstappen defended himself, saying, "He drove himself onto the grass." Stewards reviewed the incident but decided not to investigate further.

Despite struggles earlier in the season, including a second-place finish in Australia and a fourth in China, Verstappen delivered a stunning performance in Suzuka. His track-record lap during qualifying earned him his first pole position of the year, pipping Norris to the top spot.

From the start, Verstappen managed to maintain control, laying down the fastest lap and extending his lead as the race progressed. At one point, Mercedes' Antonelli briefly led the race, becoming the youngest-ever Formula 1 race leader at just 18 years old. However, Verstappen quickly reclaimed the lead, and his team gave him the green light to push until the end.

Although the McLarens remained close, with Piastri telling his team, "I have the pace to get Max," Verstappen proved uncatchable, securing the win despite constant pressure from his competitors.

The Suzuka weekend had been marked by several small trackside fires that halted practice sessions, but the weather cleared up in time for race day. Though rain earlier in the day had dampened the track, it posed no threat to the race itself, ensuring that conditions remained stable throughout.