Verstappen holds off Norris and Piastri to win F1 Japan GP

Max Verstappen returned to the top of the podium with a gutsy lights-to-flag victory at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, edging out McLaren’s fast-charging duo in a dramatic late-race showdown.

Starting as the +120 favorite with leading sportsbooks, Verstappen was clinical under pressure, holding firm against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to secure his first win of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The win narrows the gap at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings to just a single point behind Norris.

McLaren once again showcased their elite race pace, locking out P2 and P3 with Norris and Piastri, respectively.

Piastri in particular showed late-race aggression but opted for a measured approach through the technical S-curves, securing a second straight podium.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delivered a quiet but composed run to finish fourth, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and impressive rookie Kimi Antonelli, who continues to rack up points with another top-six result.

Further back, Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar was the breakout performer, scoring his first career points with a P8 finish after strong pace in both qualifying and the race.

2025 Japanese Grand Prix – Full Race Results

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:22:06.983
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – +1.423s
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +2.129s
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +16.097s
5. George Russell (Mercedes) – +17.362s
6. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +18.671s
7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +29.182s
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – +37.134s
9. Alexander Albon (Williams) – +40.367s
10. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – +54.529s
11. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +57.333s
12. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) – +58.401s
13. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +1:02.122
14. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +1:14.129
15. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – +1:21.314
16. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – +1:21.957
17. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +1:22.734
18. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – +1:23.438
19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – +1:23.897
20. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1 Lap

Biggest Winners – 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen – Under pressure and against McLaren’s raw speed, Verstappen was ice-cold when it mattered most. His first win of 2025 puts him right back in the Drivers’ Championship fight and should see his title odds shorten across major F1 betting apps.

McLaren – Another P2/P3 combo cements them as the fastest car in race conditions. Norris and Piastri are both inside the top three in the standings, and McLaren continues to widen its lead in the Constructors’ title chase. Expect McLaren futures to keep steaming in.

Isack Hadjar – One of the toughest circuits in the world, and the 19-year-old Frenchman made it look easy. Scoring points at Suzuka shows he belongs in F1—and might be a future fantasy pick-up or longshot prop bet darling.

Biggest Blunders – 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix

Aston Martin – Neither driver scored, and Lance Stroll was lapped. With rumors swirling about Alonso’s future, it’s clear Aston is off the pace, and it may be time to look toward 2026.

Alpine – Another weekend to forget. Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan were never in contention, and questions about Doohan’s long-term place in F1 are starting to grow louder. Back-to-back non-point finishes aren’t helping their Constructors’ case either.

2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings (After Japan GP)

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 62 pts
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 61 pts
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 49 pts
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 45 pts
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 30 pts
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 20 pts
7. Alexander Albon (Williams) – 18 pts
8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 15 pts
9. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 10 pts
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 10 pts
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – 6 pts
12. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 5 pts
13. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 4 pts
14. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) – 3 pts
15. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1 pt
    16–20. Gasly, Alonso, Lawson, Doohan, Bortoleto – 0 pts