Max Verstappen of Red Bull clinched victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, 2025, marking his first win of the Formula 1 season and ending a minor slump of just two victories in his last 16 races.

The Dutch driver, starting from pole position after a record-breaking qualifying lap he dubbed “insane,” dominated the Suzuka circuit for his fourth consecutive triumph there. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, winners of the season’s opening races in Melbourne and Shanghai, finished second and third, respectively.

The dry track, despite earlier rain, ensured a smooth race with no major incidents. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took fourth, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in sixth. Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, in his debut with Red Bull’s top team, placed 12th. Verstappen’s win narrowed the gap in the driver’s standings, where Norris leads with 62 points to Verstappen’s 61 after three races.

Verstappen credited his pole position and relentless car improvements for the success. “Unbelievable. A great weekend for us,” he said. The race began cleanly, with Verstappen steadily building a two-second lead over Norris by lap 10.

A close moment unfolded around lap 20 when both pitted simultaneously, and Norris veered onto the grass but couldn’t overtake. Stewards quickly dismissed any need for investigation.

Mid-race, 18-year-old Antonelli briefly led, becoming the youngest driver to do so in F1 history. Verstappen regained the lead by lap 32, holding a slim 1.3-second edge over Norris. Urged to “push from here” on lap 36, he powered through to secure his 64th career victory, reinforcing his status as a four-time defending champion.