Max Verstappen continues his dominant run in Formula 1 with a spectacular fourth consecutive victory at the Japan Grand Prix, leaving no doubt about his supremacy at the legendary Suzuka Circuit. The Dutch driver, racing for Red Bull Racing, delivered a flawless performance from start to finish, maintaining his pole position and fending off any challenge that came his way.
Behind Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren crossed the finish line in second and third, respectively — an impressive double podium finish for the team that is rapidly closing the gap in the championship race.
A Masterclass Drive of Japan Grand Prix
From the lights out, Verstappen was in complete control. Clean lines, impeccable tyre management, and clinical pit strategy left the rest of the field chasing shadows. “It feels amazing to win here again. Suzuka is such a special track and to do it four times in a row is unbelievable,” Verstappen said in the post-race interview.
This win further cements his lead in the 2025 driver standings and continues what many are calling one of the most dominant eras in F1 history.
McLaren Makes a Statement
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, though unable to match Verstappen’s pace, gave fans a thrilling display of teamwork and consistency. Norris, who started third, overtook Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc early in the race and maintained strong pace throughout.
“We’re making progress every race, and to come away with P2 and P3 at Suzuka shows what we’re capable of,” Norris said.
Piastri, meanwhile, bounced back from a shaky qualifying session to hold off a charging George Russell in the final laps. For McLaren, the double podium is a morale booster and a warning to rivals that they’re back in serious contention.
Drama in the Midfield
The midfield battle saw Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin engaged in fierce duels. Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while George Russell came in fifth, expressing frustration over strategy decisions once again. Lewis Hamilton, struggling with tyre degradation, ended seventh, with Fernando Alonso splitting the Mercedes duo in sixth.
Sergio Pérez’s weekend went from bad to worse — contact on lap 12 forced him to pit early, ultimately finishing out of the points.
What’s Next?
The win marks Verstappen’s fifth victory in six races this season, with momentum clearly on his side. But the resurgence of McLaren, coupled with Ferrari’s steady performance, sets the stage for an exciting showdown as the F1 circus moves to China next.
Did You Know?
• Max Verstappen now ties Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton for the most consecutive wins at the Japan Grand Prix (4).
• This is Oscar Piastri’s third career podium and first of the 2025 season.
• Suzuka’s 130R corner once again proved to be a highlight, with several daring overtakes and heart-stopping moments.
Final Results (Top 10):
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
8. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
9. Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
10. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
As the season heats up, one question remains: Can anyone stop Max Verstappen?
