SUZUKA, Japan – Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking his first win of the season and his fourth consecutive win at the Suzuka circuit in central Japan. Despite facing fierce competition from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who had won the first two races of the season, Verstappen’s flawless performance secured the top spot on the podium.
Starting from pole position after setting a record lap time in qualifying, Verstappen’s drive was described as nothing short of perfection by his Red Bull team engineer. The race was incident-free, with Verstappen leading from start to finish. Norris finished in second place, followed by Piastri in third.
With the win, Verstappen closed the gap in the driver’s standings, with Norris leading with 62 points to Verstappen’s 61 after three races of the season. The defining moment of the race came when Verstappen and Norris exited the pits almost simultaneously, with Norris forced to drive over the grass in an attempt to get past Verstappen.
Race stewards later confirmed that Verstappen’s racing maneuver was within the rules, and Norris agreed, acknowledging Verstappen’s skill and position on the track. Despite the intense competition, both drivers praised the performance of their respective teams and cars throughout the race.
Verstappen took the opportunity to acknowledge Honda, the Japanese engine maker that will no longer supply the Red Bull team after this season. He highlighted the importance of starting from pole position and credited the team’s continuous efforts to improve the car’s performance for the win.
As the race progressed, Verstappen maintained a steady lead, with Norris trailing closely behind but unable to make any significant advances. Young driver Kimi Antonelli briefly led the race at one point, setting a new record as the youngest driver to lead an F1 race and achieve the fastest lap time as well.
With his 64th career win, Verstappen demonstrated his exceptional driving skills and determination, showcasing a dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix. The victory further solidified his position as a top contender in the Formula 1 championship.