The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix delivered another dose of Formula 1 excitement, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinching victory after a tactically rich race under mixed conditions at Suzuka.
Rainfall prior to the start left the track slightly damp, adding an extra layer of complexity to tire strategy. Most of the grid opted for medium compounds, while a few drivers took alternative approaches—Lewis Hamilton, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Esteban Ocon chose hards, while Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll gambled on softs.
Starting from pole, Verstappen maintained his lead off the line. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli had an early off-track moment at Turn 2 after locking up and cutting the chicane. Meanwhile, Verstappen reported gear-shifting issues over the radio, which were resolved within a few laps.
Around lap 20, McLaren informed Lando Norris of a possible short rain spell. Interestingly, Alex Albon from Williams also faced gear-shifting issues similar to Verstappen. McLaren initially called Norris in on lap 18 to attempt an undercut on Verstappen but aborted the stop, instructing him to continue with his current pace.
Carlos Sainz’s off-track excursion was noted by the stewards due to potential advantage gain, but no formal investigation was initiated.
The pit window opened around lap 20, with George Russell and Oscar Piastri among the first from the top 10 to stop. On lap 22, both Verstappen and Norris dove into the pits simultaneously. Exiting pit lane, the two came dangerously close, with Norris briefly running onto the grass. The near contact was noted but not investigated.
With other drivers staying out, Kimi Antonelli temporarily took the lead, followed by Lewis Hamilton. However, Hamilton pitted on lap 31 for mediums and rejoined in seventh. Once Antonelli also stopped, Verstappen regained control at the front.
On lap 33, Haas issued team orders to swap positions, allowing Oliver Bearman to move ahead of Esteban Ocon for 12th place. With 10 laps to go, Oscar Piastri requested to overtake Norris and attempt a challenge on Verstappen, but McLaren chose to maintain positions.
In a race that calmed down in its final stages, Max Verstappen crossed the line first to claim another impressive win. Lando Norris finished just 1.1 seconds behind in second, followed by teammate Oscar Piastri in third, completing a strong double podium for McLaren.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Mercedes drivers secured fifth (Russell) and sixth (Antonelli). Hamilton came home seventh, followed by Isack Hadjar in eighth, Alex Albon in ninth, and Oliver Bearman grabbing the final point in tenth.