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Formula 1

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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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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

Formula 1

Belgian GP Battle Through the Rain: The Thrills of Spa 2025

What was meant to be a showcase of Spa’s legendary high-speed curves turned into a waiting game. Here is our Belgian GP review

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Belgian GP Battle Through the Rain: The Thrills of Spa 2025

2025 Belgian GP: Torrential rain delayed the start by 80–90 minutes, with visibility concerns forcing multiple laps under the Safety Car before a rolling start from lap 5. The drama began before the race even started. Heavy rainfall caused an 80-minute delay as race control weighed safety concerns due to low visibility and spray from modern ground-effect cars. While some criticized the cautious approach, it proved wise: conditions improved just enough for a rolling start on lap 5, and the field finally went racing.

Perfect Strategy, Flawless Execution: McLaren’s Spa Statement

Oscar Piastri, starting just behind Norris, made his move immediately after the safety car pulled in. Seizing the moment through Eau Rouge and the Kemmel Straight, he powered past Norris with an assertive overtake that set the tone for the race.

Switching to medium slicks at just the right time, Piastri extended his gap over the field, showing supreme confidence in low-grip conditions. The win marked his sixth victory of the season, boosting his title hopes and further establishing him as the championship leader.

Norris Claims P2 in Wet and Wild Belgian GP

While Lando Norris put up a fight early on, his decision to opt for hard tyres in the drying phase proved costly. Struggling for grip compared to Piastri’s mediums, Norris was unable to mount a late challenge. Still, he comfortably brought the car home in second, giving McLaren its third one-two finish of the season.

He did a better job in the beginning, and that was it. Nothing more I could do after that point. I would love to be up top, but Oscar deserved it today.” – Lando Norris(post race)

Despite narrowly missing out on victory, Norris’s consistency continues to keep him in the hunt for the Drivers’ Championship, just 16 points behind his teammate.

Max Verstappen: A Homecoming Without Glory

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, racing in the post-Christian Horner era, could manage only P4, battling balance and pace issues all weekend. Throughout the race, Verstappen wrestled with car instability in mixed conditions. Red Bull’s setup—optimised for low drag and top speed—offered little help through Spa’s wet and winding middle sector. Even as others found pace, Verstappen remained mired behind Charles Leclerc and couldn’t mount a serious charge for the podium.

Belgian GP Battle Through the Rain: The Thrills of Spa 2025

To compound matters, team communication lacked its usual clarity—perhaps a sign of turbulence following recent management changes.

Ferrari: A Lone Wolf in the Storm

Scuderia Ferrari found light in the gloom. While the team couldn’t match the runaway pace of McLaren, Charles Leclerc delivered a composed drive to bring home a valuable P3 podium finish, salvaging pride for the prancing horse at a chaotic Belgian Grand Prix.

Belgian GP Battle Through the Rain: The Thrills of Spa 2025

Lewis Hamilton reminded the world that even at 40, class is permanent. Starting a distant P18, the seven-time world champion delivered a gritty and intelligent performance to climb up to P7—one of the standout recovery drives of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix.

“Today’s race was a really positive step forward. The strategy and pit stop were executed perfectly, and the overnight changes we made to the set-up really allowed me to get the most out of the car.” – Lewis Hamilton(post race)

Mercedes: Smart Strategy, But Pace Still Missing

George Russell drove a quiet but solid race. Starting higher up the grid, he avoided unnecessary risks, stayed out of trouble during the wet phase, and finished P5, just behind Verstappen. He extracted everything the car had to give, but couldn’t mount a serious challenge to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc — let alone the dominant McLarens.

Despite challenging wet conditions and a delayed race start due to rain, Antonelli remained composed, gaining valuable experience battling seasoned drivers on a tricky track. While he did not score points, his consistent lap times and ability to stay on track without mistakes impressed Mercedes.

Williams: Alex Albon defends Lewis Hamilton

Albon’s weekend began with a strong performance in qualifying, where he secured a season-best P5, marking Williams’ best qualifying result of the year. He executed a one-stop strategy, switching from intermediate to dry tires at the optimal moment, which allowed him to capitalise on the evolving track conditions.A standout moment came when Albon expertly defended his position against a charging Lewis Hamilton, finishing P6 in the race.

Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, started from the pit lane due to a poor qualifying session and a strategic error with the rear wing setup. Sainz struggled throughout the race. He finished in 18th place, a result that reflected the team’s challenges in adapting to the evolving track conditions.

Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson aquaplanes into top 10 finish

Liam Lawson delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, securing his third points finish of the season with an eighth-place result. This achievement was particularly significant given his challenging start to the year and the team’s recent management changes.

Issack Hadjar, a rookie who got many top 10 finishes, faced a challenging weekend, culminating in a 19th-place finish in the race. This result was a step back from his earlier performances, highlighting the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the unpredictable dynamics of the Spa circuit.

Kick Sauber: Development and progress

Bortoleto continued to demonstrate his skill and consistency. He finished in 9th place, earning valuable points for the Kick Sauber F1 Team. This result was particularly notable as it marked his first points finish in Formula 1, underscoring his potential and the team’s progress.

Belgian GP Battle Through the Rain: The Thrills of Spa 2025

Nico Hülkenberg faced a challenging weekend, culminating in a 12th-place finish in the main race. This result was a step back from his remarkable podium at Silverstone earlier in the season. Despite the setback, Hülkenberg’s performance underscored the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the unpredictable dynamics of the Spa circuit.

Race Result

Drivers Standings

Constructor Standings

Next up in the double header: Hungarian Grand Prix

As the F1 circus heads to Hungary, the message is clear: McLaren are no longer chasing the front—they are the front. And unless rivals find a response soon, the papaya-colored cars might just be painting the 2025 season in orange glory.

Belgian GP Battle Through the Rain: The Thrills of Spa 2025


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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

Formula 1 British Grand Prix Review: The Race Of A Lifetime

The Formula 1 British Grand Prix was a story to tell for most drivers. A dream podium, a home race win, rain chaos, and multiple DNFs, the British GP had everything on offer.

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Lando Norris wins the Formula 1 British Grand Prix

Whenever Formula 1 visits Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, it always turns out to be one hell of a weekend, and this race was no different. It had everything you would want when you’re sitting in front of the screen on a Sunday afternoon with a drink in hand. There was rain, there was chaos, there was even Nico Hülkenberg on the podium – a race full of uncertainties.

Controversial Home Race Win

Lando Norris made it two wins in a row on Sunday, beating teammate Oscar Piastri to the finish line. Oscar led most of the race until a 10-second time penalty for reckless driving was given to him due to aggressive braking, which caused Max Verstappen to take evasive action. Soon after the restart, Max was overtaken by Lando Norris, which put him in the net race lead. This turned into P1 on track shortly after the pit stop onto slicks, as Oscar served his penalty.

Lando joined the club of 8 time race winners, an A-list with some great names, and what a way to do it – by winning your home race!

Embed from Getty Images

Hülkenburg Counters The Odds


Nico Hülkenberg writes a story of his own. 239 Race Starts later, the man in green has gotten himself and Sauber a podium. After 15 long years, the wait came to an end, and the stars finally aligned. Following the rainy chaos, Nico made all the right calls to propel himself up the grid. He was running P4 behind Lance Stroll, where an overtake on the Aston followed shortly after.

In the dying laps, he was being chased by a desperate Lewis Hamilton in Scarlet Red. However, he kept his cool and achieved what hadn’t been possible for so long.



The Streak Ends With Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton had a 13-year-long streak of scoring podiums at his home race. However, every tale must come to an end. Lewis Hamilton fell one position short of the podium, a valiant effort from the Brit. He expressed his disappointment in a post-race review, saying he was not at all happy about the race.


Charles Leclerc, on the other side of the garage, had a worse day. Jumping the gun on the slick tires early was a gamble he made, but it was a gamble that did not work. Later on, he struggled with tires following a series of VSCs, he even had an off at Beckets, cutting across the grass to add to his dismay. At the end, no points were scored by the Monegasque, a day to write off for him.

Mercedes Missed Out On An Opportunity

Following reports of talks between Max and Mercedes, they were in the spotlight coming into this weekend. A decent qualifying from the pair of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli gave them a fighting chance on Sunday. George called the change onto slicks at the end of the formation lap, and Kimi was rear-ended by Isack Hadjar, causing heavy damage to his diffuser, resulting in a retirement. George kept being in the wrong place at the wrong time, ultimately crossing the line in P10, scoring one singular point.

Formula 1 British Grand Prix Review: The Race Of A Lifetime
British Grand Prix, Sunday. Photo: Glenn Dunbar

Verstappen Struggles On Track

Red Bull ran a low downforce setup for the race, which cost them when a rain shower had showered on the track. Max was caught sliding on multiple corner exits due to the lack of downforce. Despite this, he held a strong challenge for the starting half of the race. However, at the Safety Car restart, he had a spin on the entry of the Vale chicane.

Formula 1 British Grand Prix Review: The Race Of A Lifetime
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 06: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

A good recovery by the Dutchman limited damage and placed him P10. From there, a decent effort to fight back moved him up into P5, scoring decent points. Teammate Yuki Tsunoda found it difficult, saying he did not know why the pace of the car disappeared in the race. He finished P15, last of the classified drivers.

Williams Return To Points

After a treacherous recent few rounds for the Williams outfit, finally, some luck struck with a points finish. Although Carlos missed out on points by a slim margin, teammate Alex Albon scored a respectable P8 in changing conditions

Aston Get Two Cars Into The Top 10

Both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso secured a points finish on Sunday, even though both of them complained about the car and the package after the race.

Lance, at one point, was running in the podium positions, but he was overtaken by Nico shortly after. He ended up crossing the line in P6. Tire degradation was a prominent issue in the car, according to him in a post-race interview.

Fernando scored P8, but he showed frustration at the team’s strategy and how they always get it wrong for him.

Race Results



Standings




Next Round In Spa

For the next race weekend, we head to the hilly forest of Spa-Francorchamps. A part home race for Lando and Max. The high-speed spectacle is sure to put on a show, the longest track on the F1 Calendar includes many overtaking spots and iconic corners such as Eau Rouge and Radillon

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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

Formula One’s Constant: The British GP

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Formula One's Constant: The British GP

The F1 Paddock heads to Silverstone this weekend. The place where it all started. Silverstone is one of the most historic tracks on the Formula 1 Calendar.

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The 2025 Formula 1 British Grand Prix roars into Silverstone this weekend, bringing with it a fierce championship battle, homegrown heroes, and the electric atmosphere only this iconic circuit can deliver. As Round 12 of a tightly contested season, all eyes are on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, currently locked in a close title fight as they look to extend their dominance on home soil. Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton returns to his home Grand Prix in Ferrari red, adding another layer of drama for British fans. With sell-out crowds, unpredictable weather, and the historic weight of Silverstone, this year’s race promises to be one of the most thrilling yet.

About The Track

Formula One's Constant: The British GP

(credit – f1.com)

Silverstone Circuit is renowned as one of Formula 1’s most iconic and challenging tracks, blending high-speed straights with a technical mix of sweeping corners. Measuring 5.891 kilometers, the former RAF airfield is a true test of car balance and driver bravery, especially through legendary sections like Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel, where rapid directional changes demand razor-sharp precision. The track’s fast-flowing nature rewards aerodynamic efficiency and cornering stability, making it a favourite among drivers. With unpredictable British weather often playing a role, and overtaking opportunities at corners like Stowe and Vale, Silverstone delivers both strategic complexity and spectacular racing action year after year.

Pirelli’s Specifications



Stories This Weekend

Special Liveries


McLaren dropped a gorgeous livery for their home race in Silverstone. A lot of chrome on the car to keep them standing out on track. This is a throwback to their iconic Vodafone Chrome livery in the late 200s



VCARB also brought out a fancy spray paint livery after a good result for them in Austria.


Hamilton At Home In Red

Lewis Hamilton makes his first appearance at home for the Scarlet Outfit. He has a record of a 14-year-long streak of top 3 finishes at his home race. He will be looking to keep that going coming into this weekend.


Rumours Of Verstappen x Mercedes

Sky Sports Italy put out a post on X saying that talks are in advanced stages between Max and Mercedes, George Russel and Max’s future remains uncertain at this stage. George expressed his will to stay at Mercedes for the foreseeable future.


F1 Movie Release

The long awaited F1 Movie produced by Lewis Hamilton starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris makes its first appearance in the big screens. With a lot of positive reviews, the movie is a recommended watch.

Weekend Schedule



Weekend Forecast

Friday: 22°C, Wind 29 km/h, 10% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 24 km/h, 45% chance of rain
Sunday: 21°C, Wind 24 km/h, 10% chance of rain.

It’s windier than usual, making cars unpredictable. Droplets of rain are expected during Qualifying

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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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