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Max Verstappen may have clinched his first win of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Japanese Grand Prix, but it was McLaren who came out of Suzuka with a stronger grip on the constructors’ championship.
Verstappen had shown up to Suzuka with the intention of winning only from pole position, set during a blistering lap on Saturday, with his RB21. The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri distinguished themselves from far off the grid. The reigning champion's pole was indeed all but a formality, racing to a faultless victory while leading all 53 laps over the hallowed grounds of Suzuka.
Verstappen had made the most of his weekend, but the same could not be said for his fellow teammate from Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda. On home turf, Tsunoda could manage to finish only 12th, way out of the points, in turn, minimizing Red Bull Racing's total earnings from the race.
McLaren Double-Podium
Verstappen thrives alone, but once again McLaren showed their consistency and depth. McLaren drivers can put the spotlight on Woking as Norris and Piastri took 2nd and 3rd and sent a big points boost flying to their team.
Mercedes Maintain Steps Ahead
With good action, certainly: now George Russell took home the car in 5th, while debutant Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with an impressive run in 6th, was hailed to be the top-placed debutant of the day.
Constructors' Standings: McLaren Extends Gap
Thanks to their double podium finish, McLaren now sit atop the constructors' standings with 111 points. Mercedes follow in second with 75 points, while Red Bull Racing, despite Verstappen’s win, remain in third on 61 points due to Tsunoda’s non-scoring result.
Constructors’ Championship Standings After Japanese GP
- McLaren – 111 pts
- Mercedes – 75 pts
- Red Bull Racing – 61 pts
- Ferrari – 35 pts
- Williams – 19 pts
- Haas – 15 pts
- Aston Martin – 10 pts
- Racing Bulls – 7 pts
- Kick Sauber – 6 pts
- Alpine – 0 pts
