Max Verstappen delivered a masterful performance at Suzuka, claiming his first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season and a record-breaking fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix win. Starting from pole, Verstappen held off the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to secure a much-needed 64th career victory, marking an emotional farewell to Red Bull’s partnership with Honda.
“We couldn’t have wished for a better result today in our final race with Honda here together,” Verstappen said. “It’s been amazing, and I’m really proud of what we have done this weekend. The last lap was just flat out. Around here, being on the limit or maybe a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding.”
A day after grabbing pole position in the dying moments of Qualifying, Verstappen got away cleanly at the start of the race, keeping Norris behind him into Turn 1. The Dutchman’s advantage from pole was key, as he managed to stave off early attempts by the McLarens to challenge his lead.
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“It was very important to start on pole to make this win possible,” Verstappen reflected. “It started off quite tough this weekend, but we didn’t give up, we kept improving the car and today it was in its best form.”
Drama unfolded during the pit stop phase when both Verstappen and Norris dove into the pits on the same lap. A slightly slow stop from Red Bull allowed Norris to run side-by-side with the Dutchman at the pit exit. With little room to maneuver, the McLaren driver was forced onto the grass, reigniting the race tension. “He was still ahead,” Norris later explained. “Max is the last guy I expect to give me any space, in a good way and in a racing way, so nothing more than that.”
Verstappen downplayed the moment as racing, adding, “It was tight, but I just tried to focus on my own laps and not make mistakes after that.”
Norris and Piastri pushed hard to pressure Verstappen, narrowing the gap in the final 10 laps. However, Verstappen stayed composed and crossed the line 1.4 seconds ahead of Norris, whose second-place finish marked McLaren’s continued rise.
Reflecting on his weekend, Norris said, “Max drove a good race today, no mistakes. The pace was too similar today to do anything more. Just not enough from us, nothing special that could get Max on.”
Piastri completed the podium in third on his 24th birthday, giving McLaren another double-podium finish. While he briefly looked like a threat to Norris in the closing stages, the Australian’s challenge faded as the laps wound down.
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For Verstappen, the win carried extra significance as it marked the final race of Red Bull’s partnership with Japanese engine supplier Honda at their home track.
“It means a lot to me,” Verstappen said of his Suzuka success. “It was in the back of my mind in those last few laps. I was like, ‘I need to try and stay ahead; it would be a great story.’ I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over all those years together, and I think this is a perfect send-off.”
Verstappen’s emotional connection with Honda was evident as he praised their collaborative success. “Together to win four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’ Championships is unbelievable. It’s a proper send-off, and we couldn’t have wished for a better weekend.”
Charles Leclerc brought home fourth place for Ferrari, his best result of the season. Mercedes enjoyed a solid outing, with George Russell taking fifth and rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli impressing in sixth after leading briefly during the pit stop phase.
Lewis Hamilton secured seventh in his Ferrari, while Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar earned his first points of the season in eighth. Alex Albon finished ninth for Williams, and Haas’ Ollie Bearman took the final point in impressive fashion with a 10th-place finish.
Fernando Alonso narrowly missed the top 10 in 11th, followed by Yuki Tsunoda, who placed 12th on his Red Bull debut. While Tsunoda failed to score, his performance earned him the “Driver of the Day” accolade from fans.
Elsewhere, Pierre Gasly was 13th (Alpine), Carlos Sainz 14th (Williams), and Jack Doohan 15th (Alpine). Liam Lawson finished 17th in his Racing Bulls return, while Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Gabriel Bortoleto rounded out the grid. Lance Stroll had another frustrating day, placing last after an ineffective race for Aston Martin.
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With his victory, Verstappen moves to within one point of Norris atop the Drivers’ Championship standings. Piastri jumps to third, overtaking George Russell. Red Bull remains third in the Constructors’ Championship, but Verstappen made it clear that their sights remain set on further improvement.
“It’s very important to always try to maximize your performance,” Verstappen said. “We know our limitations and still have work to do. But today, everything came together perfectly.”