Verstappen Dominates Japanese GP for Fourth Straight Suzuka Win
SUZUKA, Japan—Max Verstappen is back on top! The Red Bull ace kicked off his 2025 wins with a clinic at the Japanese Grand Prix, fending off McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to snag his fourth straight Suzuka victory. The champ's 64th career W is a loud reminder—he's still the king.
WATCH RACE HIGHLIGHTSFlying From the Front
Starting on pole, Verstappen bolted out and kept Norris and Piastri in his dust early. Things got spicy during pit stops when a slightly sluggish Red Bull stop let Norris pounce. The McLaren star tried a daring side-by-side move at the pit exit, only to hit the grass as Verstappen held firm.
— Max Verstappen
Both drivers griped over the radio, but the stewards shrugged—no penalty. Verstappen stayed cool and stretched his lead.
• 4 consecutive wins (2022-2025)
• 64th career victory
• 1.423s winning margin
• 100% podium rate at Suzuka since 2022
Late Drama
The final 10 laps turned up the heat. Piastri, celebrating his 24th birthday, reeled in Norris, lighting a fire under his teammate. Norris pushed hard, chipping away at Verstappen's gap, but the Dutchman had it locked down, crossing the line 1.423 seconds ahead.
SEE FULL RACE ANALYSISBeyond the Podium
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc snagged fourth, while Mercedes' George Russell rounded out the top five. Rookie Kimi Antonelli turned heads, leading mid-race with a long first stint before finishing sixth.
1. Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:22:06.983
2. Norris (McLaren) - +1.423s
3. Piastri (McLaren) - +2.129s
4. Leclerc (Ferrari) - +16.097s
5. Russell (Mercedes) - +17.362s
Lewis Hamilton grabbed seventh for Ferrari—solid, but not the fireworks he'd hoped for. Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar bagged his first points in eighth, with Williams' Alex Albon and Haas' Ollie Bearman nabbing ninth and 10th.
Why It's Big
Verstappen's win silences the doubters after a shaky Red Bull start to 2025. McLaren's pace is real, but Max proved Suzuka's still his playground. Norris keeps the title fight alive, and the rookies are stepping up. F1's heating up!
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