Verstappen claims first win of the year in Japan

Max Verstappen secured his first victory of the season with a stunning performance at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. Starting from pole position, the Red Bull driver made his way across a damp but drying track to finish just 1.4 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, with Oscar Piastri completing the podium in third place.

The race began with Verstappen maintaining his lead off the line, while the McLarens of Norris and Piastri stayed close behind. By lap three, Verstappen had managed to pull out of DRS range, giving himself some breathing room. Still, the McLaren drivers stayed hot on his tail throughout the race, particularly during a moment on lap 22 when both Verstappen and Norris pitted simultaneously. 

The McLaren pit crew gained time during the stop, but Norris was unable to overtake Verstappen upon exiting the pit lane and briefly ran onto the grass.

Even with this close call, Verstappen remained composed and managed his tyres well. The Dutch driver fended off several challenges from Norris and Piastri, who were unable to get within overtaking range. This victory marked Verstappen’s fourth consecutive win at Suzuka, a circuit where he has consistently performed well.

Further down the order, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished in fourth place, followed by Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in fifth and sixth, respectively. Antonelli also made history by becoming the youngest driver to ever lead an F1 race during a brief stint at the front before pitting. 

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in seventh for Ferrari, ahead of Red Bull’s rookie Isack Hadjar. Williams’ Alex Albon and Haas’ Oliver Bearman rounded out the top ten. Home favorite Yuki Tsunoda finished 12th in his first outing for Red Bull after replacing Liam Lawson.

This result tightens the drivers’ championship standings. Norris remains in the lead with 62 points, but Verstappen is now just one point behind with 61. Piastri sits third with 49 points as Formula 1 heads to Bahrain next weekend for round four of the season.