History was made in Suzuka

Formula 1 returned this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix at the famous Suzuka Circuit. A weekend that blessed us with some great highlights and sassy team radios.

Team radio clips from 2025 Japan GP. Photo: F1

Here are some of the most memorable moments from the 2025 Japanese GP.

Max Verstappen takes first place. Though this is not technically news, given the driver's reputation for continuous wins, it was his first win of the 2025 season. With it also being his 4th win in a row at Suzuka! Which has not been done before other than the famous Michael Schumacher who had 3 consecutive wins. That's a new record in Formula 1 brought to us by Red Bull’s very own Max Verstappen. The win was also in a special livery car that represented the original racing colours for Honda, which is the engine they use in the car. Which makes the win even more special since it will be Red Bull's last race with a Honda engine before they switch next season.

Max claiming his win at the Japanese Grand Prix 2025. Photo: Red Bull Racing

Max was able to score the win after making a strong start from pole position. He was able to fend off both Mclaren drivers, even up until the drama that ensued at a pitstop. Where Verstappen and Mclaren’s Lando Norris found eachother in a slight entanglement. Both drivers had pitted at the same time and tried to leave the pit lane together,side by side, which saw Norris end up on the grass and the Red Bull driver remain ahead.

Lando ending up on the grass during a pit lane exit. Photo: F1

Both drivers expressed their clear unhappiness over the team radio but the stewards decided not to investigate the incident so Verstappen remained in his spot ahead of Norris.

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Norris ended up finishing in second place while his teammate Oscar Piastri finished behind him in 3rd place. A podium must feel great for your birthday! Happy belated birthday Oscar.

Yuki Tsunoda had his debut in a Red Bull Racing car, which must have been nerve wracking and exciting since his debut was at his home race. Sadly he did finish in 12th place which is a no points zone, which we wonder how Red Bull will react to this since Yuki was already replacing another driver who was underperforming in their car. However though he didn’t see a points winning finish he was able to earn driver of the day award.

Yuki Tsunoda in the special livery for the 2025 Japan GP. Photo: F1

Another history-making moment came from this weekend's grand prix when Kimi Antonelli, the rookie driver for Mercedes, became the youngest driver ever to lead a race, at only 18 years of age. He held that lead up until he had to pit.

Kimi Antonelli during his pit-stop after being the youngest driver ever to lead a race

In terms of championship standings, Verstappen’s win from the weekend now puts him just one point behind Lando Norris who sits at the top of the standings.