Verstappen Takes First Win of 2025 in Suzuka Thriller
SHOP SHABA F1 APPAREL
Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the 2025 season, holding off fierce late pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris to win a tense Japanese Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion led from pole and maintained control of the race despite a slow pit stop that allowed Norris to briefly challenge him on pit exit. Verstappen fended off the Briton in a controversial moment where Norris took to the grass, later alleging he was forced off.
McLaren had to settle for a double podium, with Norris and Oscar Piastri completing the top three. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc followed in a distant fourth, ahead of Mercedes teammates George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Lewis Hamilton came home seventh after a subdued race, continuing an inconsistent start to his Ferrari stint. Behind him, standout rookie Isack Hadjar took eighth for Racing Bulls, while Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman completed the points scorers.
All 20 drivers finished the race, with Lance Stroll the only driver a lap down after a rough day that included two pit stops.
🧮 Full Race Classification – Japanese GP
| Pos | Driver | Nat. | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | NED | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 53 Laps |
| 2 | Lando Norris | GBR | McLaren F1 Team | +1.423s |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | AUS | McLaren F1 Team | +2.129s |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | MON | Scuderia Ferrari HP | +16.097s |
| 5 | George Russell | GBR | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | +17.362s |
| 6 | Kimi Antonelli | ITA | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | +18.671s |
| 7 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | Scuderia Ferrari HP | +29.182s |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | FRA | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls | +37.134s |
| 9 | Alex Albon | THA | Atlassian Williams Racing | +40.367s |
| 10 | Oliver Bearman | GBR | MoneyGram Haas F1 Team | +54.529s |
| 11 | Fernando Alonso | ESP | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | +57.333s |
| 12 | Yuki Tsunoda | JPN | Oracle Red Bull Racing | +58.401s |
| 13 | Pierre Gasly | FRA | BWT Alpine F1 Team | +62.122s |
| 14 | Carlos Sainz | ESP | Atlassian Williams Racing | +74.129s |
| 15 | Jack Doohan | AUS | BWT Alpine F1 Team | +81.314s |
| 16 | Nico Hulkenberg | GER | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | +81.957s |
| 17 | Liam Lawson | NZL | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls | +82.734s |
| 18 | Esteban Ocon | FRA | MoneyGram Haas F1 Team | +83.438s |
| 19 | Gabriel Bortoleto | BRA | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | +83.897s |
| 20 | Lance Stroll | CAN | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | +1 Lap |
