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Silent storm in Suzuka: Verstappen dominates a tactical Japanese GP

The opening moments at the Japanese GP in Suzuka offered an unusually calm start by Formula 1 standards—particularly remarkable considering the track’s unpredictable weather.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo April 6, 2025

Max Verstappen held firm at the front, maintaining his lead despite Lando Norris clocking in with the fastest reaction time / Photo via F1

Unlike the typical chaos seen at the China Grand Prix, there were no position changes among the top ten off the line. Max Verstappen held firm at the front in Japanese GP, maintaining his lead despite Lando Norris clocking in with the fastest reaction time. The circuit, still damp from early morning rain, provided an uncertain grip, yet the Dutchman’s control never wavered.

One of the few highlights in the opening laps came from a sharp defensive maneuver by Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard expertly fended off Pierre Gasly just before the high-speed 130R corner, protecting 11th place with razor-sharp precision.

From a strategy standpoint, most of the grid—around 75%—opted to start on the medium compound tires, aiming for balance in pace and flexibility amid lingering threats of showers in Mie Prefecture. Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton, representing Ferrari, took a different route by beginning on the hard tires. His alternate strategy paid off early as he moved past rookie Isack Hadjar and progressed into seventh position during the opening stages.

Masterclass in motion

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, praised Verstappen’s dominant drive over the team radio after the race: “It was a flawless race—never give up,” he declared, following the reigning world champion’s triumph at the Japanese GP, marking the third round of Formula 1’s 76th season.

Charles Leclerc maintained his grip on fourth position from lights to flag, finishing over ten seconds behind the podium places. Mercedes had a quiet afternoon too, with George Russell in fifth and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli briefly leading during the pit cycles before settling for sixth.

Hamilton’s steady drive helped him secure seventh by once again overtaking Hadjar, while Racing Bulls’ Pierre Gasly collected solid points with an eighth-place finish. Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman rounded out the top ten, having started the race from very different ends of the grid.

The art of defense

Fernando Alonso came agonizingly close to points, finishing 11th and just under three seconds behind Bearman. Yuki Tsunoda’s debut with the main Red Bull team didn’t go as hoped either; a weak lap in Q2 saw him start 14th, and he eventually finished 12th, missing out on the top ten in a rather uneventful race.

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Verstappen’s commanding win at the Japanese GP—his 64th career victory and fourth consecutive in Japan—sent a strong message: he remains the man to beat. Even with McLaren’s impressive pace, the Red Bull star reminded everyone of his mission—to secure a fifth consecutive world title. As Christian Horner said once more at the checkered flag: “Never give up.” But for Verstappen, those words seem unnecessary. He proves them with every lap.

Key information

Who won the Japanese GP? Max Verstappen.
Which driver defended 11th place with great skill? Fernando Alonso.
What tire strategy did most of the grid use? The medium compound.
How did Yuki Tsunoda perform in his Red Bull debut? He finished 12th and scored no points.

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