Winners and Losers at the Japanese Grand Prix

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka Circuit delivered a race that was more tactical chess match than edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it still provided plenty of talking points. Max Verstappen emerged as the standout victor, securing his first win of the season and his fourth consecutive triumph at this storied track. However, while some drivers and teams left Japan with their heads held high, others departed scratching their heads, grappling with missed opportunities and underwhelming performances.

Winners

Max Verstappen’s performance at Suzuka was nothing short of exceptional. Starting from pole after a jaw-dropping qualifying lap, the Red Bull driver controlled the race from lights out to checkered flag, fending off a spirited challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Crossing the line with a 1.4-second margin, Verstappen showcased a blend of precision, pace, and composure that reminded everyone why he’s a four-time world champion. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed it as one of Verstappen’s finest weekends, a sentiment echoed across the paddock. Despite Red Bull’s car lacking the dominance of previous years, Verstappen dragged it to victory through sheer talent, narrowing the gap to championship leader Norris to just one point. His fourth straight Suzuka win—a feat unmatched by legends like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, or Sebastian Vettel—cements his status as the king of this circuit. Verstappen’s ability to maximize his machinery while others faltered marks him as the weekend’s biggest winner.

Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli continues to impress in his debut F1 season, and the Japanese Grand Prix was no exception. Finishing sixth, the teenage sensation became the youngest driver to score points at Suzuka, adding another chapter to his burgeoning legacy. Antonelli’s mature drive, paired with a strong qualifying performance, highlighted his potential as a future title contender. Teamed with George Russell (P5), Mercedes secured a solid points haul, but it was Antonelli’s poise under pressure that stole the spotlight. As he continues to adapt to F1’s demands, his stock rises with every race.

Alex Albon may not have grabbed headlines with a podium, but his ninth-place finish was a testament to his consistency and skill. Scoring points in all three races so far in 2025, Albon is single-handedly keeping Williams competitive in a tight midfield battle. His performance outshone teammate Carlos Sainz, who struggled to find rhythm, and underlined Albon’s value to a team that hasn’t scored in three consecutive weekends since 2017. For a driver often overlooked in the F1 narrative, Albon’s steady hand is proving to be a winner in its own right.

Losers

On paper, McLaren’s second and third places with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri look like a solid result. However, beneath the surface lies a tale of frustration and strategic missteps. Despite having one of the fastest cars on the grid, McLaren couldn’t capitalize on their pace to challenge Verstappen effectively. Team principal Andrea Stella admitted their hands were tied by tire strategy and track position, with Suzuka’s low degradation and overtaking difficulties amplifying their woes. Norris, who retained his championship lead by a single point, was vocal about a slow pit stop that cost him a shot at victory, while Piastri cut a frustrated figure in third. For a team with championship aspirations, this felt like a golden chance squandered.

Ferrari’s 2025 season is off to a sluggish start, and the Japanese Grand Prix did little to change that narrative. Lewis Hamilton, in his first year with the Scuderia, finished a disappointing seventh, calling the car “underperforming” and urging the team to make “positive changes.” Teammate Charles Leclerc managed fourth, but it was a lonely race devoid of the pace needed to challenge the frontrunners. Team boss Fred Vasseur admitted the start to the season has been “not ideal,” with rumors of ride height issues plaguing the SF-25. With Bahrain looming next weekend, Ferrari’s lack of form leaves them as one of Suzuka’s biggest losers.

While Verstappen’s brilliance was undeniable, the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix will not go down as a classic. A resurfaced track led to minimal tire degradation, reducing strategic variety and overtaking opportunities. ESPN noted a 68% drop in overtakes compared to 2024, raising familiar questions about F1’s dirty air problem and the 2025 cars’ inability to race closely. For the passionate Suzuka crowd and viewers worldwide, the lack of on-track action—despite all 20 drivers finishing—made this a procession rather than a spectacle. The fans, expecting the usual high-speed drama, were left wanting more.

Honorable mentions

Haas rookie Ollie Bearman snatched a hard-fought point in 10th, a remarkable achievement given the team’s struggles to find pace. His ability to capitalize on opportunities in a midfield scrap showcases his growing reputation as a talent to watch. In his Red Bull debut at his home Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda had high hopes but finished a disappointing 12th. A promising start faded with a scruffy qualifying and a race that left him with “mixed feelings.” For a driver aiming to prove his worth alongside Verstappen, this was a missed chance to shine.