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Max Verstappen returned to winning ways with a strong performance at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, securing his fourth straight victory at Suzuka. The Red Bull driver led from the front, holding off both McLaren cars in a close and tense race. The win gives Verstappen his first victory of the season and brings him within just one point of current championship leader Lando Norris.

This race was a big moment for Verstappen, who had been chasing his first win of the year after a tough start to the season. It also sends a message to his rivals that the reigning world champion is far from finished.

A Perfect Start from Pole

Verstappen started the race from pole after a fast and near-perfect lap during Saturday’s qualifying. His lap time was only 0.01 seconds quicker than Norris, showing just how close the competition has become in 2025. Starting from the front made all the difference at Suzuka, a track known for its tight corners and limited passing zones.

When the lights went out on Sunday, Verstappen held onto his lead into the first corner, with Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri right behind. From there, Verstappen managed the race well, staying ahead despite strong pressure from the McLaren drivers. He showed skill and calm under pressure, proving why he’s a three-time world champion.

Strategy Calls Decide the Race

McLaren’s best shot at beating Verstappen came during the pit stops. However, they chose not to take a big risk by trying an “undercut,” where a driver pits early to gain time on fresh tyres. Instead, McLaren had both Norris and Piastri pit at the same time as Verstappen. Norris and Verstappen came out of the pits side by side, but Verstappen stayed ahead by defending hard into the first corner.

There was some contact between the two, as Verstappen pushed Norris a bit wide. But the stewards reviewed the move and ruled it as fair racing. After that, McLaren was stuck on the same tyre strategy as Red Bull, with no more chances to gain time.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella said after the race, “We looked at all the data, and honestly, there wasn’t a clear window to try something different. Max was too strong today.”

Red Bull Still in the Game

This win was a big boost for Red Bull, whose new RB21 car has not been easy to handle so far this season. It hasn’t shown the same level of speed as in past years, and both drivers have struggled with balance and grip. But in Japan, everything came together for Verstappen and his team.

“It shows that if we really nail everything, we can be up there,” Verstappen said after the race. “This was a perfect weekend from everyone. The car felt good, and we made all the right calls.”

It’s a strong warning to the rest of the field that Red Bull is still a serious threat in the title race. With Verstappen just one point behind Norris, the battle for the championship is wide open.

Ferrari and Mercedes Still Chasing

Behind the top three, Charles Leclerc drove a solid race for Ferrari, finishing in fourth place. George Russell took fifth for Mercedes, ahead of young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who continues to impress in his rookie season. Lewis Hamilton finished seventh after struggling with tyre grip throughout the race.

Rounding out the top ten were Isack Hadjar, Alex Albon, and Oliver Bearman, all showing strong pace and clean driving.

Yuki Tsunoda, making his debut in the main Red Bull team, finished in 12th place. While it wasn’t a points finish, Tsunoda held his own and will look to improve as the season continues.

Title Fight Heats Up

This victory marks Verstappen’s 56th career win and his fourth in a row at the iconic Suzuka circuit. The win also marks a turning point in the 2025 season, where no single team has dominated so far. With Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri all taking wins this season, the title race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.

Verstappen now sits just one point behind Norris in the standings, with Piastri close behind. As Formula 1 heads into its European leg, every race will matter even more. Teams will bring upgrades, and drivers will push harder as they chase the world title.

Suzuka reminded fans of the magic of Formula 1—tight racing, clever strategies, and world-class driving. Verstappen’s win shows that experience, focus, and a quick car are still the keys to success in this sport.