Daijiworld Media Network - Suzuka

Suzuka, Apr 6: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen powered to his first victory of the 2025 Formula One season with a commanding performance at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, fending off the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to secure his fourth straight win at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.

The reigning World Champion’s win brings him within just a point of championship leader Norris, as the battle for the title heats up. Piastri’s podium finish sees him leapfrog George Russell into third place in the standings.

Reflecting on the race, Verstappen said, “It was tough, pushing very hard. The two McLarens were challenging me the whole way, but I had fun out there. Starting the weekend a bit on the back foot, we kept improving. Starting on pole and winning – it's the perfect result, especially in our final farewell race to Honda in Japan.”

Norris, who finished second, acknowledged Verstappen’s superior pace. “It was a flat-out race. Max made no mistakes, and they deserved the win. We didn’t have quite enough this weekend. Hopefully we can bounce back,” he said.

Oscar Piastri settled for third on his 24th birthday, having briefly threatened Norris in the final laps before his challenge faded. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc came home in fourth, while Mercedes’ George Russell and teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli followed in fifth and sixth, with the latter impressing after briefly leading the race during a long opening stint.

Lewis Hamilton brought his Ferrari across the line in seventh, while Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar scored his first championship points with a strong eighth-place finish. Williams’ Alex Albon secured ninth, with Haas’ Ollie Bearman rounding off the top ten.

With Honda making its final appearance on home soil in partnership with Red Bull, Verstappen’s victory at Suzuka was seen as a fitting tribute.