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Verstappen Orchestrates Suzuka Masterclass: 2025 Japanese Grand Prix Race Report

Verstappen’s dominant display in helps him close in on Lando Norris in the Driver’s Championship as McLaren take early lead in the Constructor’s race.

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2 months ago

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SUZUKA, JAPAN - APRIL 06: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on arrival in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 06, 2025 in Suzuka, Japan.

In a masterclass display at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive victory at Suzuka, leading from pole position to the chequered flag. Despite relentless pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Verstappen’s flawless performance not only earned him his 64th career win but also brought him within a single point of Norris in the drivers’ championship standings.

Rain showers earlier in the day left the Suzuka Circuit slightly damp at the start. However, the conditions improved by lights out, with most of the field opting for medium tyres. Odd-numbered grid slots—including pole-sitter Verstappen—had the benefit of being on the grippier racing line, offering a slight advantage off the line. It was Verstappen’s first pole since the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.

McLaren Chases Verstappen

When the lights went out, Verstappen made a smooth getaway to hold P1, followed closely by Norris and Piastri, both retaining their positions in what would evolve into a race-long chase. Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, started from 15th after receiving a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton in Q2.

Verstappen Orchestrates Suzuka Masterclass: 2025 Japanese Grand Prix Race Report
SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 06: Max Verstappen leads Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images/ Red Bull Content Pool)

From the early laps, McLaren made it clear they weren’t settling for second. Norris remained within DRS range through the opening stint, while Piastri stayed within two seconds of his teammate. Despite complaining of poor upshifts—a problem that seemed to resolve itself—Verstappen managed to pull a 1.5-second gap by Lap 6.

Pit Stop Drama and a Moment for Antonelli

The race’s most dramatic moment came on Lap 22 when the front-runners dove into the pits. Verstappen and Norris pitted simultaneously, but a slightly slower stop for Red Bull gave Norris an opening. The pair went side by side at pit exit, with Verstappen holding the racing line and Norris briefly touching the grass. Both drivers aired their frustrations on team radio—Norris claimed he was forced off, while Verstappen countered, “He drove himself into the grass.” The stewards saw no need for an investigation.

The incident proved costly for Norris, who lost nearly three seconds—enough to potentially attempt a DRS pass on the following lap.

During this phase, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli briefly inherited the race lead, becoming the youngest driver in F1 history to lead a Grand Prix—breaking Verstappen’s own record. He also claimed the fastest lap later in the race, becoming the youngest ever to do so, in yet another milestone of his promising rookie season.

Late Race Stalemate at the Front

Despite a late charge from the McLarens—with both Piastri and Norris confident they could challenge for the win—McLaren opted against a position swap. Verstappen held firm, and Norris couldn’t close the gap enough to launch an overtake attempt. The top six—Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Russell, and Antonelli—finished in the exact order they started, while Hamilton had a solitary race after an early overtake on Hadjar.

In the midfield, the battle for the final points-paying positions was fierce. Isack Hadjar finished eighth, scoring his first points of the season. Alex Albon came home ninth and expressed frustration over Williams’ pit strategy on the team radio. Oliver Bearman rounded out the top ten, finishing ahead of Fernando Alonso.

Yuki Tsunoda, racing in front of his home crowd and making his debut for Red Bull, finished a disappointing 12th. The Japanese driver struggled to adapt to the tricky RB21 but crucially finished ahead of his predecessor, Liam Lawson, who endured a weekend full of mishaps and came home 17th.

Just ahead, Fernando Alonso claimed P11 for Aston Martin—his first race finish of the season. Alpine’s struggles continued, with both Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan ending the race outside the points. Carlos Sainz, despite a late switch to soft tyres, could only recover to 14th.

Verstappen Closes In on Championship Lead

This victory means Verstappen now sits just one point behind Norris, who leads the championship with 62 points. Piastri moves up to third, ahead of Russell. In the Constructors’ standings, Williams dropped to fifth, with Ferrari reclaiming fourth place.

“Of course starting on pole really made it possible to win this race”- Verstappen

Next Stop: Bahrain Showdown

As the paddock heads to Bahrain—a track known for long straights and heavy braking zones—the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Red Bull dominated under the lights in Sakhir last year, but with the field more competitive than ever and Verstappen no longer enjoying a clear car advantage, one question remains: can the Dutchman extend his resurgence under the floodlights of Bahrain?

Desi Racing Co is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

Published

1 week ago

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June 13, 2025

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Formula 1
Credits: Red Bull Content Pool

The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix that took place on June 1 2025, wrapped up the second triple header of the 75th edition of Formula 1. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya held the last Spanish Grand Prix, as the event is set to relocate to Madrid from 2026.

As two of the three triple headers of this season end, with the McLaren duo separated by 10 points and Max Verstappen breathing down their necks, let’s review how each of the 3-week long racing action has affected the championship battle.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

Max, Lando and Oscar [Left to Right] at the Japanese GP 2025

Japan-Bahrain-Saudi Arabia

The opening triple header of the season delivered some great racing action. Max Verstappen proved to the world that he is never out of the championship fight, with his dominant pole-to-victory performance, despite McLaren having the car advantage. The Flying Dutchman marked his 4th consecutive win at Suzuka while the Papaya duo completed the podium. Hadjar gained his first points in Formula 1 in P8.

Oscar Piastri stood at the top step of the podium at Bahrain for his 50th Formula 1 race, delivering McLaren’s first ever win at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The young Australian started at pole and led every lap, showcasing his talent, while his teammate and championship rival, Lando Norris, finished P3 despite his 5-second penalty for a false start. Multiple technical failures and a pit signal fault resulted in Max finishing P6, costing him several championship points. The Dutch wasn’t the only one suffering from technical issues, as George Russell’s Mercedes faced multiple troubles, despite which he finished P2 fending off Norris.

Another weekend, another win for Piastri. This one is even more special as it led to him becoming the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber, his manager, in 2010. Even though Verstappen received a 5-second penalty during the race, he finished P2. Ferrari seemed to finally get back into their rhythm as Charles Leclerc garnered the Italian team’s first podium of the year with a solid P3. Williams’ double points finish marked their surge among the midfield, pushing them up to 5th in the championship.

The triple header ended with Oscar Piastri leading the championship, 7 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who himself was just 5 points ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen. With the top 5 separated by only 30 points, the fight for the championship was on.

Imola-Monaco-Spain

The second and the most recent triple header had all three title contenders win each race. Max Verstappen overtook pole-sitter Oscar Piastri on the first lap to secure his 4th win here, while Lando and Oscar completed the podium. Franco Colapinto, who replaced rookie Jack Doohan from this race onwards, started and finished at P16, delivering a lukewarm debut performance.

At Monaco, Lando Norris secured his first win at the Principality, fending off homeboy Charles Leclerc in P2. Oscar stayed in P3, as most of the grid finished exactly where they qualified, apart from Fernando Alonso, claiming to be “the unluckiest driver”, who retired from P6 due to an engine failure.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

Lando after his win at the Monaco GP (Credits: Formula 1)

The latest race, the Spanish Grand Prix, delivered equal parts of racing and drama. All was well till lap 60 when the safety car came out. RedBull pitted Max for a fourth time and sent him out with brand new hard tires, which, due to not warming up properly for the restart, led him to lose a position to Leclerc. Another incident with Russell resulted in Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase requesting him to let the Briton through. Initially refusing, on lap 64, Max appeared to let Russell go past him, but swerved into him on turn 5, causing a collision.

This unnecessary action and RedBull pit wall’s questionable decisions resulted in Verstappen being handed a 10-second penalty and 3 penalty points, which critically impacted his championship battle. Nico Hulkenberg in his Sauber, overtook 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari on the penultimate lap, securing a P5 finish. Fernando Alonso also ended his pointless run, garnering 2 points at his home grand prix. The McLaren duo clinched a 1-2 finish, avoiding all the drama behind them.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

The second triple header ends with Ferrari shooting up two places to reach P2 in the Constructors’ Championship Standings, although McLaren leads with a comfortable 197 points.

The Drivers’ Championship is very close, with Norris only 10 points behind the leader Piastri. Max, however, due to his 10-second penalty, lags by 49 points, staying at P3.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

The next and final triple header consists of the last three races of this season: Las Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi. As the championship stands, it’s fair to speculate that the battle could go on till the final triple header. As we lie in wait till the next race weekend in Canada, let’s enjoy the on and off-track drama unfolding in front of our eyes.

Will Oscar Piastri be the first Australian World Champion since Alan Jones in 1980, or will teammate Lando Norris be successful in retaking the lead of the championship? Never count Max Verstappen out, as he also has the chance to defend his title. Any mid-season upgrades could bring George Russell or Charles Leclerc to the fight as well. The prestigious 75th anniversary of Formula 1 is definitely providing some great battles, which unfortunately can only be won by one.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

Formula 1 Heads To Canada: What To Expect

Published

1 week ago

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June 13, 2025

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Formula 1 Canadian GP

The anticipation is building as the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix approaches, bringing Formula 1 back to the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Set against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River, this high-speed, high-stakes race is a mid-season favourite known for dramatic overtakes, unpredictable weather, and passionate fans. With championship battles heating up and teams pushing the limits of performance, the 2025 edition promises another thrilling chapter in Canada’s rich motorsport history. Here’s a look at what to expect as the engines roar back to life in one of F1’s most beloved venues.

About The Track

Formula 1 Heads To Canada: What To Expect
Credit: formula1.com



The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers a technically demanding layout that balances high-speed sections with heavy braking zones. Turns 1 and 2 require precise throttle control and set the tone for the lap.

The Turn 10 hairpin is a critical overtaking point, featuring one of the heaviest braking zones on the calendar and leading onto a 1.2 km straight where DRS can be deployed. This back straight leads to the final chicane (Turns 13 and 14), where late braking offers a chance to pass, though drivers must be cautious of the infamous “Wall of Champions” on exit. A second DRS zone along the main straight aids slipstreaming into Turn 1, making the circuit a prime venue for intense and strategic battles on track and in the pit lane.

Pirelli’s Specifications


Pirelli has selected the softest compounds on the spectrum, meaning the C6 (soft), C5 (medium), and C4 (hard) compound tires will be in use throughout the weekend.

Track Evolution being on a 5/5 rating denotes that times will tumble on Saturday during the Qualifying session, so drivers will need to be consistent on every lap.

Stories This Weekend

Piastri With The Momentum

Oscar Piastri led a controversial Spanish Grand Prix from start to finish, keeping his distance from his rivals. He leads the Drivers Championship by 10 points over his teammate, a battle that will continue to run till the end of the season. The Aussie is very much in contention for his first-ever title, so he will need any and every win he can get. That’s what he’s going to be gunning for in Montreal.



Max Nears A Ban

Max Verstappen is now just 1 penalty point away from a Race Ban, which presents an opportunity for Arvid Lindbald to potentially make his F1 debut for VCARB, and Isack Hadjar a seat in the senior Red Bull team.
Notably, Isack Hadjar has scored more points than Max Verstappen has in the last 2 races.

Formula 1 Heads To Canada: What To Expect
BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands gets off the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 after the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Stroll At Home

Lance Stroll withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix following a concern about his wrist injury from 2023. He is now preparing to hit the ground running and score some points at his home race.



200 Races For Haas

The American Team achieves a landmark 200 race appearances. They have prepared special race suits for this occasion and, of course, a special livery. With a race so close to home, the pair of Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon will be gunning for the top 10.


2026 Calendar Reveal


Weekend Schedule



Weather Forecast

Friday: 18°C, Wind 6 km/h, 1% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 11 km/h, 1% chance of rain
Sunday: 23°C, Wind 9 km/h, 2% chance of rain.

Conditions seem to be stable, allowing for consistent data throughout practice sessions and the race.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

Piastri For The Win, McLaren Double Podium, Max Receives 3 Penalty Points: 2025 Spanish GP Review

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 6, 2025

By

Oscar Piastri celebrates after winning the Spanish GP

Oscar Piastri delivered a masterclass in Barcelona, capping off a rollercoaster triple-header with a dominant win at the Spanish Grand Prix. The weekend was filled with uncertainty following the FIA’s new Technical Directive clamping down on flexi-wings, forcing every team except McLaren to scramble with upgrades. In the end, it was Piastri who capitalised on the chaos.

Piastri was in a league of his own all weekend, topping two of three practice sessions, grabbing pole with the largest margin of the season, and controlling the race from lights to flag. Calm, calculated, and clinical—this was a coming-of-age drive from the Aussie, who now leads the World Drivers’ Championship by 10 points.

Teammate Lando Norris made it a McLaren front row lockout, though he briefly lost P2 to Max Verstappen at the start. A smooth move down the inside of Turn 1 reclaimed the spot, and Norris brought the car home for a strong 1-2 finish, underlining McLaren’s dominance.

Embed from Getty Images


Max Verstappen Nears A Race Ban

Max Verstappen’s weekend was turbulent. He qualified P3 and had a lightning start to slot into P2, but that was as good as it got. Red Bull’s risky 3-stop strategy was undone by a late Safety Car, forcing Max onto hard tyres no one else dared to use.

A flurry of battles followed, and contact with George Russell. The stewards slapped Verstappen with a 10-second penalty and 3 penalty points, leaving him just one point away from a race ban. The reigning champ now walks a razor’s edge heading into Montreal.

Piastri For The Win, McLaren Double Podium, Max Receives 3 Penalty Points: 2025 Spanish GP Review
BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool


Leclerc Lands A Top 3

Charles Leclerc fought his way from a P7 start to finish third, claiming his first-ever Spanish GP podium. A strong opening lap and a razor-sharp Safety Car restart helped him leapfrog Verstappen.

His teammate Lewis Hamilton had a contrasting story. After qualifying P5, he was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg late in the race and finished P6. Post-race, a dejected Hamilton said there were “no positives” to take from the weekend.


Merc’s Bittersweet Weekend

George Russell had a quietly strong weekend, qualifying P4 and securing P4 in the race, surviving the Verstappen clash and banking valuable points. Rookie Kimi Antonelli wasn’t as lucky. An engine failure forced his retirement, marking the first time in triple-header history that a Mercedes driver failed to score points.


Sauber In The Top 5

Sauber shocked the paddock. Nico Hülkenberg, starting P15, carved his way through the field with some smart overtakes and Safety Car timing to finish P5, his best result since 2019. Teammate Bortoleto also impressed, showing glimpses of pace before fading late.

Two Sides Of The Home Race

For Spanish fans, it was a weekend of extremes. Carlos Sainz suffered a Q1 exit and could only recover to P14, yet another home race disappointment for Williams. Albon also had a disappointing weekend, contact when being overtaken resulted in front wing damage, forcing him to retire.

Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, gave the crowd something to cheer about. With daring late-race moves, he scored his first points of the season, offering a glimmer of hope for Aston Martin. Lance Stroll, still managing a wrist issue from 2023, withdrew before lights out, casting doubt on his home GP appearance in Canada.

Race Results



Standings



Next Race Weekend In Montreal

Oscar Piastri now leads the WDC by 10 points over his teammate, and both McLarens will be looking to extend their lead at the top
Max will need to keep his nose clean, as with just 1 more penalty point, he will be banned for a race.
Home Hero Lance Stroll is still doubtful to appear at his home race, which means one of Aston Martin’s reserves may get an opportunity to prove themselves.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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