F1 Results Today: Verstappen Holds Off Norris in Fiery Duel to Clinch S…read more
Furious Verstappen and Norris Battle Produces Shock Japanese Grand Prix Winner
Max Verstappen silenced critics with a dominant win at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, marking his first victory of the season and extending his unbeaten run at Suzuka to four consecutive years. The Red Bull driver, who had struggled in the early rounds of the season, finally showed his class at a circuit where he’s historically excelled.
Starting from pole for the first time this year, Verstappen came under fierce pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who continues to lead the championship. The pair’s fight reached boiling point during a tense pit stop sequence on lap 23. A slower stop for Verstappen allowed Norris to nearly overtake him at pit exit, forcing the Brit onto the grass in a heart-stopping moment before he backed off.
While Verstappen pulled away to secure the win, Norris kept the pressure on throughout, with the final margin doing little to reflect the intensity of their battle. The result slashes Norris’ championship lead to just a single point, adding even more spice to an already fiery title race.
Rookie Kimi Antonelli briefly led the race after the front-runners pitted, ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who ultimately made headlines for pulling off the only top-10 overtake of the race — a move on Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls.
Oscar Piastri appeared to have more pace than his McLaren teammate in the latter stages and asked the team for a shot at chasing Verstappen, but no team orders were issued, and the Australian was left to follow Norris to the flag.
Verstappen called the win a “perfect send-off” for Red Bull’s partnership with Honda, making the victory at their home race extra special. With the title fight now tighter than ever, all eyes turn to the next chapter in this thrilling F1 season.
