Starting from pole position, Verstappen led from start to finish, claiming his fourth consecutive win at the iconic circuit. In doing so, he broke the long-standing record held by the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Although Verstappen’s win appeared comfortable overall, he was challenged at times – particularly by McLaren’s Lando Norris. The young British driver pushed hard and nearly collided with the Dutchman as they exited the pits following their first stop.

?? | Lando Norris follows Max Verstappen into the pits.
McLaren can’t beat Red Bull on track, so they tried in the pits…#Verstappen keeps the lead, and #Norris ends up mowing the lawn. #JapanGP pic.twitter.com/o9bmgwJX8e

— Barstool_F1 (@Barstool___F1) April 6, 2025

Both drivers expressed their frustration over team radio, but the stewards decided against launching a formal investigation. Verstappen stayed ahead of Norris and gradually pulled away as the race progressed.

The victory was also symbolic, as it marked Red Bull’s final race in Japan with Honda as their engine supplier and partner – a fitting farewell, indeed.

Verstappen crossed the line in 1:22:06.983, with Norris just 1.423 seconds behind in second, continuing his impressive start to the season. Norris’s teammate, Australian driver Oscar Piastri, delivered another strong performance to finish third, just 2.129 seconds behind Verstappen.

WHAT A DRIVE FROM MAX VERSTAPPEN

pic.twitter.com/sqiPNAWrYT

— Ana ?? (@maxvcalloway) April 6, 2025

Charles Leclerc was the first Ferrari driver across the line in fourth, though his race was relatively uneventful. George Russell finished fifth as the top Mercedes driver, while rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli impressed in sixth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

The Formula 1 now moves from the Far East to the Middle East for this coming Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg