Formula One: Max Verstappen takes pole-to-flag win at Japanese Grand Prix, Norris second
All 20 drivers finish race on clear day in Suzuka, as Red Bull’s Dutch master claims first win of season and fourth in a row at circuit
Max Verstappen claimed a pole-to-flag victory for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, winning his first race of the Formula One season and an unprecedented fourth in a row at Suzuka.
Verstappen crossed the line for his 64th victory to a huge ovation from the 115,000 crowd some 1.4 seconds ahead of McLaren’s championship leader Lando Norris in second place.
Norris’ lead over Verstappen in the drivers’ championship was slashed to one point, while his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri rounded out the podium in third place on his 24th birthday.
“What an uplifting weekend after a miserable start,” Verstappen said. “Great, great weekend for us.
“Starting on pole made it possible to win,” he added. “This weekend started off quite tough but we didn’t give up, kept improving the car. Today it was on its best form.”
The top six finished as they had started on the grid and all 20 cars crossed the line after 53 laps with no rain, none of the trackside grass fires that disrupted practice and not a single yellow flag.