The 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka delivered a thrilling weekend, with Max Verstappen securing his first win of the season and making history by clinching his fourth consecutive victory at this iconic circuit.
Qualifying: Verstappen's Record-Breaking Pole
On Saturday, Verstappen showcased his prowess by capturing pole position with a blistering lap time of 1:26.983, narrowly edging out McLaren's Lando Norris by just 0.012 seconds. This marked Verstappen's 41st career pole and set a new lap record at Suzuka. McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured third, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' George Russell. Notably, rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed by qualifying sixth, while Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, started eighth. Yuki Tsunoda, recently promoted to Red Bull, qualified 15th in his home race.
Race Day: Verstappen Holds Off McLaren Duo
In Sunday's race, Verstappen maintained his lead from the start, fending off persistent challenges from Norris and Piastri. A pivotal moment occurred during the pit stops when Verstappen and Norris exited the pit lane side by side, with Verstappen retaining his lead as Norris veered slightly off-track. Despite the pressure, Verstappen remained composed, finishing the race in 1:22:06.983, just 1.423 seconds ahead of Norris, with Piastri close behind in third.
Notable Performances and Standings Impact
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Mercedes' George Russell and rookie Antonelli secured fifth and sixth, respectively. Antonelli also recorded the fastest lap of the race, highlighting his growing potential. Hamilton managed a seventh-place finish, expressing optimism about upcoming car upgrades.
Verstappen's victory narrows the championship gap, placing him just one point behind leader Norris. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Verstappen's performance as one of his best, emphasizing the team's efforts to overcome early-season challenges.
