Max Verstappen wins Japanese Grand Prix as McLaren finish 2-3

Max Verstappen bounced back in style at Suzuka on Sunday, holding off a late McLaren charge to claim victory in the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix — his first win this season and a crucial one for Red Bull’s title defence in the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Verstappen came into the race as the $2.65 2nd favourite with top online bookmakers and lived up to the billing with a flawless lights-to-flag drive.

The Dutchman had to keep his cool in the closing laps as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri loomed large, but he held firm to win by just 1.4 seconds.

McLaren once again showed they are the team to beat in terms of race pace, finishing P2 and P3 with Norris and Piastri respectively.

The Aussie was on fire late and looked poised to challenge Verstappen, but a cautious approach through the Esses saw his podium confirmed without a fight for the lead.

Charles Leclerc had a quiet but effective race for Ferrari in P4, finishing ahead of George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, who continues to impress with another top-six result.

Lewis Hamilton followed in P7, but was left frustrated over team radio by Ferrari’s conservative strategy calls.

The standout of the midfield was Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who bagged his first career points in P8 after a very strong qualifying and race saw his maiden points in F1.

2025 Japanese Grand Prix results

• Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:22:06.983
• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +1.423s
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +2.129s
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +16.097s
• George Russell (Mercedes) – +17.362s
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +18.671s
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +29.182s
• Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – +37.134s
• Alexander Albon (Williams) – +40.367s
• Oliver Bearman (Haas) – +54.529s
• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +57.333s
• Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) – +58.401s
• Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +62.122s
• Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +74.129s
• Jack Doohan (Alpine) – +81.314s
• Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – +81.957s
• Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +82.734s
• Esteban Ocon (Haas) – +83.438s
• Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – +83.897s
• Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1 Lap

F1 Japan GP biggest winners

Max Verstappen – Under pressure and with McLaren flying, Verstappen delivered a composed and clinical drive to remain within 1 point of Lando Norris in the Drivers Championship. Verstappen further solidified himself as the greatest driver this decade with performances like these.

McLaren – P2 and P3 again confirm they’re the top team in terms of race pace. Norris and Piastri are now firmly entrenched in the title picture and are scoring well each weekend. The team is extending their lead week in and week out over Mercedes in the Constructors Championship. F1 betting apps have further shortened their odds to claim the Constructors title.

Isack Hadjar – The 19-year-old Frenchman grabbed his maiden F1 points at one of the hardest tracks on the calendar. A flawless drive from the rookie who’s impressed all so far this season.

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2025 F1 Japan GP’s biggest blunders

Aston Martin – Both drivers outside the points, and Stroll a lap down. Suzuka exposed the lack of pace in the AMR25, and with Alonso hinting at retirement, things could get worse before they get better.

Alpine – No points again and anonymous all weekend besides Jack Doohan’s crash in FP2. Gasly and Doohan had no pace and finished P13 and P15 respectively. With rumours spiralling about Doohan’s abilities, Alpine could already be looking at reserve driver changes.

2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings

• Lando Norris (McLaren) – 62 points
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 61 points
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 49 points
• George Russell (Mercedes) – 45 points
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 30 points
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 20 points
• Alexander Albon (Williams) – 18 points
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 15 points
• Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 10 points
• Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 10 points
• Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – 6 points
• Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 5 points
• Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 4 points
• Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing) – 3 points
• Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1 point
• Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 0 points
• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 0 points
• Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 0 points
• Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points
• Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – 0 points

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