2025 Japanese Grand Prix betting tips & predictions

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix will light up Suzuka Circuit this Sunday, April 13, with lights out scheduled for 4pm AEST. Following an action-packed qualifying session, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen returns to familiar territory — pole position — as he looks to bounce back from a tough outing in China.

Verstappen leads McLaren duo at Suzuka

Normal service resumed in qualifying as reigning world champion Max Verstappen stormed to pole at one of his favourite tracks. The Red Bull star delivered a flawless lap under pressure, locking out the front of the grid for Sunday’s race.

Lining up behind him are the two McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris earning P2 ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri in P3. Both McLarens have looked sharp through the weekend, and with a clear track ahead of them, they’ll be pushing hard to challenge Verstappen on strategy and race pace.

Piastri continues to build momentum after his standout performance in China, while Norris is looking to continue strong form. The battle between the top three is set to deliver another thriller in Suzuka’s high-speed sweeps.

Max Verstappen’s pole has seen top online bookmakers price him up at $2.75 behind Lando Norris at $2.20.

2025 Japanese Grand Prix Odds

McLaren’s Lando Norris has emerged as the bookmakers’ top pick heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, just ahead of Max Verstappen. Teammate Oscar Piastri remains within striking distance, while Ferrari and Mercedes trail with longer odds.

• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +120
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +165
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +350
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +2000
• George Russell (Mercedes) – +2000
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +3300
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +8000
• Isack Hadjar (VCARB) – +15000
• Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +15000
• Alex Albon (Williams) – +20000

More odds provided at BetOnline

Japan GP betting predictions after qualifying

Lando Norris (McLaren) to win

Lando Norris will be gunning for a win after a slightly unlucky Shanghai GP and then again being short for pole in Suzuka. With the faster car and fellow teammate closely following behind, it’s hard to see Verstappen holding him out.

George Russell (Mercedes) podium finish

George Russell has been a silent performer so far this season. It seems as if Mercedes had the pace to rival McLaren; however, he was unable to put a lap together in Q3 and suffered the consequence. He can push forward early on in Suzuka, and with the risk of rain looming, he’s all chance.

Alex Albon (Williams) points finish

Carlos Sainz will be gunning for a strong outing after a fairly mediocre start to the season. He’s been strong during practice and just needs to convert that pace into race pace like his teammate Alex Albon has been able to do this season. With rain uncertain, he can gain a good amount of positions on restarts.

Japan GP Starting Grid and Qualifying Times

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