Round 3: Suzuka 🇯🇵

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix returned at the iconic Suzuka Circuit as the first part of the season’s intense triple header. With its high-speed corners, iconic figure-eight layout and unpredictable weather, expectations were high for another Suzuka classic. But what we got instead was more of a classic Monaco snoozer - few overtakes, minimal drama and a grid that could have used a pillow, well, except for Alex Albon. 

Verstappen Strikes Back In Style 

For the forth year in a row, Max Verstappen was untouchable and claimed victory in Japan. After clinching pole position on Saturday with a record-breaking lap time, the four-time world-champion left his competitors no chance. The Dutchman is now only one point short to his 2024 rival, Lando Norris. With this being the first of three back-to-back races, Mclaren should be up for a fight. It was a statement win, clean, dominant and classic Max. 

Yuki’s Moment 

While Verstappen dominated, all eyes were on the other Bull, Yuki Tsunoda, who made his debut with the senior Red Bull team at his home race. Unfortunately for the Japanese driver, it wasn’t the dream weekend fans had hoped for—he finished 12th, outside of the points. With ongoing uncertainty around Red Bull’s second seat and growing pressure from the junior ranks, Tsunoda’s performance raises questions about whether he’s ready, even more so after finishing lower than his former rookie teammate Isack Hadjar who drove his Racing Bulls car to a strong P8. 

Kimi Antonelli: The Kid Who Led Suzuka

Eighteen-year-old rookie, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, stunned the crowds by leading the early laps for Mercedes and becoming the youngest driver ever to lead a Formula 1 race. His P6 finish means he’s scored in all three of his opening races following the footsteps of his legendary predecessor Lewis Hamilton. One thing’s clear: the future is here, and it’s dressed in silver.

With this win, Verstappen is just one point behind Norris. The battle is officially on. Next stop? The Bahrain Grand Prix – the second act of the triple header, and a track where anything can happen.

WDC Standings:

  1. Lando Norris - 62 pts 
  2. Max Verstappen - 61 pts 
  3. Oscar Piastri - 49 pts 
  4. George Russell - 45 pts
  5. Kimi Antonelli -30 pts 
  6. Charles Leclerc - 20 pts 
  7. Alexander Albon - 18 pts 
  8. Lewis Hamilton - 15 pts 
  9. Esteban Ocon - 10 pts
  10. Lance Stroll - 10 pts
  11. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 pts 
  12. Oliver Bearman - 5pts 
  13. Isack Hadjar - 4 pts 
  14. Yuki Tsunoda - 3 pts 
  15. Carlos Sainz - 1 pt
  16. Pierre Gasly - 0 pts 
  17. Fernando Alonso - 0 pts 
  18. Liam Lawson - 0 pts 
  19. Jack Doohan - 0 pts 
  20. Gabriel Bortoleto - 0 pts 

WCC Standings:

  1. McLaren - 111 pts 
  2. Mercedes - 75 pts 
  3. Red Bull Racing - 61 pts 
  4. Ferrari - 35 pts 
  5. Williams - 19 pts 
  6. Haas - 15 pts 
  7. Aston Martin - 10 pts 
  8. Racing Bulls - 7 pts 
  9. Kick Sauber - 6 pts 
  10. Alpine - 0 pts 

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