Japanese Grand Prix 2025

Race Highlights

• Tsunodna is promoted to Red Bull Racing as Liam Lawson demoted to Racing Bulls for the remainder of the season
• Tsunoda with his promotion still finds a tough race with a no-points finish in P12
• Max Verstappen with a good launch keeps pole position
• By the first corner, the top 3 stay in order, with Piastri and Norris following Verstappen
• Gabrial Bortoleto drops to the back of the grid in the Kick-Sauber, as he started on Hards
• Meanwhile, Gasly and Alonso are the only pair of drivers with elbows out, fighting for positions
• Lawson with oversteer allows Tsunoda to overtake him on the opening lap
• Lando and Max nearly collide on the pit exit as both vie for position, Lando cuts into the grass, reporting that Verstappen pushed him off
• Verstappen claims that Norris drove himself off, with the race stewards declaring it a racing indcident
• Piastri and Norris fighting each other with Piastri requesting to swap places due but the team declined
• 3 rookies: Antonelli (P6), Hadjar (P8), and Bearman (P10) score points for impressive point finishes
• Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest driver ever to lead an F1 race

Race Summary

Suzuka saw Max Verstappen return to his dominant form, securing a lights-to-flag victory from pole position. Despite early pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen maintained control of the race, successfully managing a tense moment in the pit lane where he narrowly avoided contact with Norris. This win marked Verstappen’s fourth consecutive victory at the historic circuit.

McLaren showcased their impressive pace with a double podium finish, as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claimed second and third respectively. Further down the grid, the race was highlighted by the emergence of young talent. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli made history by becoming the youngest driver to lead a lap and set the fastest lap of the race, finishing in a strong sixth place.

The event was less fortunate for home favorite Yuki Tsunoda, who struggled in his Red Bull debut at Suzuka and finished outside the points. Meanwhile, other young drivers like Isack Hadjar and Oliver Bearman capitalized on the high-attrition race to secure top-ten finishes.