Max Verstappen Wins Japan GP as Lando Norris Holds onto P1 GFT F1 AI Driver Ranking

6 April 2025
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News

SUZUKA CIRCUIT, JAPAN — Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing his fourth consecutive victory at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. The victory was the Red Bull driver’s first win of the 2025 Formula 1 season, closing the gap to just one point behind championship leader Lando Norris. With McLaren’s Norris and Oscar Piastri rounding out the podium, the race offered a glimpse into the tightening title fight.

With very few overtakes, there was a moment of drama between Verstappen and Norris at the pit exit as Norris attempted to pass on the narrow transition back onto the track (Image Credit: formula1.com)

Starting from pole, Verstappen nailed the launch, fending off the McLaren duo into Turn 1. His early pace allowed him to build a comfortable lead, but the race’s defining moment came during the pit stop phase. On Lap 21, Verstappen and Norris pitted simultaneously, with Red Bull’s slightly slow stop giving Norris a chance to challenge at the pit exit. The McLaren driver attempted a bold side-by-side move, only to be forced onto the grass as Verstappen held his line. Both drivers vented frustration over the radio — Norris claiming he was squeezed, Verstappen asserting his right of way — but the stewards declined to investigate, leaving Verstappen in front.

From there, Verstappen controlled the race, steadily pulling away from Norris. In the closing stages, Piastri, celebrating his 24th birthday, ramped up the pressure on his teammate, narrowing the gap to Norris and urging McLaren to let him challenge for the lead. However, Verstappen’s composure and Red Bull’s tire management proved untouchable, and he crossed the line 1.4 seconds ahead of Norris, with Piastri settling for third.

Verstappen has now taken four consecutive victories at the Suzuka Circuit (Image Credit: formula1.com)

Behind the podium, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured fourth, while Mercedes’ George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Antonelli briefly led during the pit stop shuffle, becoming the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix at 18. Lewis Hamilton took seventh for Ferrari, and rookie Isack Hadjar scored his first F1 points in eighth for Racing Bulls. Williams’ Alex Albon and Haas’ Ollie Bearman completed the top ten, while home favorite Yuki Tsunoda, debuting for Red Bull, finished a disappointing 12th despite earning the Driver of the Day award.

The race underscored Verstappen’s resurgence after a challenging start to 2025, where he trailed Norris in the standings. His 64th career victory not only highlighted his dominance at Suzuka but also served as a poignant farewell to Red Bull’s partnership with Honda, ending this season. Norris, meanwhile, admitted McLaren lacked the “special” edge needed to topple Verstappen, pinning the race’s outcome on his narrow miss in qualifying, where he lost pole by just 0.012 seconds.

As the championship battle intensifies, Verstappen’s Suzuka masterclass has reignited the title chase. With only one point separating him from Norris and Piastri climbing to third in the standings, the stage is set for a gripping season.

Go Full Throttle F1 AI Driver Rankings following the Japanese GP on April 6, 2025, at the Suzuka Circuit (Image Credit: GFT Digital)

Next Up:

FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2025

April 11–13, 2025 at Bahrain International Circuit