Verstappen wins Japanese GP to close gap on Norris

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen led from pole to chequered flag to win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, his first victory of the 2025 season, with McLaren's Lando Norris second.

- Agencies

SUZUKA: Four-time world champion Max Verstappen led from pole to chequered flag to win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, his first victory of the 2025 season, with McLaren's Lando Norris second.

The Dutch Red Bull driver crossed the finish line almost 1.5 seconds in front of Briton Norris, who held off his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri of Australia in third.

The win on a damp but drying track at Suzuka was Verstappen's fourth straight victory in Japan and closed the gap on Norris at the top of the drivers' championship to one point.

Norris now has 62 points after three races, with Verstappen on 61 and Piastri third on 49.

"It was tough. The McLarens were pushing me very hard," said Verstappen.

"It was a lot of fun but not easy pushing the tyres. I am incredibly happy.

"Starting on pole made it possible to win."

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished fourth ahead of the Mercedes pair of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.