Ah, Suzuka. A circuit that has given us some of Formula 1’s most iconic moments—Senna and Prost’s infamous collisions, Schumacher’s relentless dominance, and Raikkonen’s last-gasp heroics. Yet, the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix will not be joining that illustrious list. Instead, it will be remembered as a race that promised much but delivered little, a procession that even the most ardent fan would struggle to defend. Still, even in the dullest of races, there are stories to tell, heroes to praise, and villains to critique. Let’s dive into the winners and losers from this year’s Suzuka snooze-fest.
2025 Japanese Grand Prix: Winners and Losers Analysis
Verstappen’s Masterclass: The Dutchman Strikes Back
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, reminded everyone why he’s still the man to beat. After a shaky start to the season, Verstappen delivered a weekend of near-perfection. His pole lap was nothing short of sensational, breaking the Suzuka lap record and leaving the McLaren duo scratching their heads. On race day, he controlled proceedings from lights to flag, managing a slow pit stop scare with the calmness of a seasoned champion.
Max Verstappen said:
I knew we had to get everything right today. The car felt good, and I just had to keep it clean. It wasn’t easy, but we got the job done.
Verstappen’s victory marked his fourth consecutive win at Suzuka, a record-breaking feat that underscores his affinity with this legendary circuit. With this win, he’s now just a single point behind championship leader Lando Norris. Game on.
Watch Verstappen’s stunning pole lap here
McLaren’s Missed Opportunity: Playing It Too Safe?
McLaren arrived in Japan as clear favourites, their car seemingly tailor-made for Suzuka’s sweeping curves. Yet, they leave with a bitter taste, having squandered a golden opportunity. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had the pace to lock out the front row but faltered when it mattered most. Norris’s conservative approach into the final chicane during qualifying handed Verstappen pole by a mere 0.012 seconds—a margin thinner than a sushi chef’s knife.
On race day, McLaren’s strategy was equally cautious. They failed to capitalise on Verstappen’s slow pit stop, and their refusal to swap positions when Piastri clearly had superior pace raised eyebrows. Yes, a double podium is commendable, but championships aren’t won by playing it safe.
Lando Norris said:
We had the pace, but we didn’t maximise it. We’ll learn from this.
Antonelli’s Star Rises: Mercedes’ Teenage Sensation
Mercedes may not have had the outright pace to challenge for victory, but their young prodigy, Kimi Antonelli, stole the spotlight. At just 18, Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead an F1 race, breaking Verstappen’s previous record. His mature drive, extending his opening stint on medium tyres to an impressive 30 laps, showcased a composure beyond his years.
Antonelli’s sixth-place finish, coupled with the fastest lap, was a statement of intent. Mercedes have unearthed a gem, and the future looks bright indeed.
Kimi’s reaction to the two F1 records he broke today 😁 pic.twitter.com/xREsCkovdL
Tsunoda’s Homecoming Blues: A Debut to Forget
Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull was the feel-good story heading into Suzuka. The Japanese driver, racing in front of his home crowd, had the perfect stage to announce himself as Verstappen’s worthy teammate. Instead, it was a weekend to forget. A mistake in qualifying left him languishing in 15th, and a muted run to 12th on race day did little to silence his critics.
Yuki Tsunoda said:
I wanted to give the fans something special, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ll come back stronger.
Watch Tsunoda’s emotional post-race interview
Ferrari and Mercedes: Giants in the Shadows
Ferrari and Mercedes, two titans of the sport, found themselves mere spectators in Japan. Charles Leclerc salvaged fourth for Ferrari, but the Scuderia’s ongoing struggles with their SF-25 car remain a concern. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, endured another frustrating weekend, finishing seventh and openly admitting the team is grappling with underlying issues.
Both teams have work to do if they’re to challenge McLaren and Red Bull consistently. For now, they’re giants in the shadows, watching as others bask in the Suzuka sun.
Bearman and Hadjar: Young Guns Impress
Amidst the tedium, two rookies shone brightly. Oliver Bearman secured his second consecutive points finish for Haas, while Isack Hadjar scored his first-ever F1 points for Racing Bulls. Both drivers displayed maturity and speed, hinting at promising careers ahead.
Fans: The Biggest Losers?
Ultimately, the biggest losers were perhaps the fans. Suzuka, a circuit renowned for drama and excitement, delivered a race devoid of overtaking and intrigue. With just one positional change in the top ten, it was a procession that even Monaco would blush at.
Formula 1 must reflect on races like these. While not every Grand Prix can be a classic, fans deserve better than a Sunday afternoon nap.
