Max Verstappen reflects on Japanese GP win with focus on tire strategy

Red Bulls driver credits pole position and calm tactics in Suzuka triumph.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates his victory upon arriving in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 6, 2025, in Suzuka, Japan. Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Max Verstappen reflects on Japanese GP win with a sense of satisfaction and determination as he clinched a commanding victory at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie, Japan, on Sunday, April 6. The Red Bulls ace dominated the race despite facing intense pressure from McLaren rivals and tricky track conditions, marking another high point in his impressive Formula 1 career.

Speaking to the Formula 1 official website after the race, the Dutch driver emphasized the importance of composure and tire control throughout the Grand Prix. “Of course it's not easy to control the tires, but I'm really happy. It was quite difficult at the beginning of this weekend, but we didn't give up. We kept improving the car and today it was in the best condition,” Verstappen said, summing up his performance.

The win at Suzuka was Verstappen’s fourth career pole position at the Japanese GP, and he converted it masterfully into a race victory. “Of course, starting from pole position is absolutely possible to win this race,” he added, highlighting just how crucial qualifying had been in determining the race outcome.

A hard-fought victory at Suzuka

While the win may have looked straightforward from the outside, Verstappen made it clear that the Japanese Grand Prix was far from easy. For much of the race, he had the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri close on his tail, keeping the pressure on and preventing any chance of complacency.

“The competition was very tight,” Verstappen admitted. “Lando and Oscar were both really fast. It wasn’t a race where I could relax. I had to stay focused and manage my tires carefully. That was the key today.”

Tire management played a central role in his race strategy. The warmer-than-expected conditions in Suzuka meant degradation was higher than usual, forcing teams to adapt their pit strategies. Verstappen said that his team’s ability to respond to the evolving race dynamics helped him stay ahead of the pack.

"It's very important to keep maximizing the performance, and I think we did our best this week,” he added. "We made all the right calls."

Technical improvements paid off

Verstappen also took time to acknowledge the efforts of the Red Bulls engineering team, who made steady improvements to the car after a shaky start to the weekend.

On Friday, Red Bulls struggled with grip and balance during practice sessions. But the team worked around the clock to fix setup issues, and by Saturday’s qualifying, Verstappen was already showing improved pace. Securing pole was the first major sign that Red Bulls had made a crucial step forward in performance.

"The car wasn't great in free practice," Verstappen explained. "But we kept pushing, making adjustments, and it all came together on race day. That’s what made this win special. It’s not just about being fast — it’s about responding to challenges and improving as a team."

Standings and championship implications

Max Verstappen’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix places him in second position in the 2025 Formula 1 driver standings, with 61 points. He now trails Lando Norris by just one point, setting the stage for an exciting title battle as the season progresses.

“Every point counts,” Verstappen noted. “Being just one point behind Lando shows how close this championship is going to be. We need to keep pushing and take every opportunity to win.”

The win also gives Red Bulls a much-needed morale boost after a mixed start to the 2025 season, where Mercedes and McLaren have shown strong form. Verstappen’s consistency and racecraft remain vital assets as the team looks to reclaim its dominance in the constructors' championship.

McLaren’s growing challenge

The presence of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on Verstappen’s rear wing throughout the Japanese GP is a clear signal that McLaren is no longer just an occasional threat — they’re genuine title contenders.

Verstappen himself acknowledged their pace. “McLaren has done a great job. Both their drivers are fast, and their car is really good in corners. It’s going to be a tight fight this year.”

Norris, who now leads the standings, finished just behind Verstappen in Suzuka, while Piastri followed closely in third. The two young McLaren drivers are making headlines not just for their speed, but also for their tactical maturity, a trait often associated with more seasoned drivers.

Verstappen’s experience, however, gave him the edge in Japan. His ability to manage tire wear, respond to pit wall instructions, and stay cool under pressure ultimately made the difference.

Looking ahead to Bahrain

With just a short turnaround before the next race, Verstappen will now prepare for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place from April 11 to 13. The Bahrain International Circuit presents a very different challenge, with long straights and heavy braking zones that test both engine performance and driver endurance.

“We’ll celebrate this win today, but tomorrow we’re back to work,” Verstappen said. “Bahrain is a completely different track. We have to keep evolving.”

The Red Bulls driver also expressed confidence that the team could carry momentum from Suzuka into the next round. “If we can maintain this level of performance and keep learning from each race, we’ll be in a strong position.”

A season of narrow margins

The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With drivers like Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen trading wins and podiums, the margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin.

For Verstappen, the win in Japan is more than just a trophy — it’s proof that he and Red Bulls are still a force to be reckoned with. In a year where tire strategy, qualifying results, and team synergy all matter more than ever, Max Verstappen’s reflections on the Japanese GP win are a blueprint for how to stay ahead in a tightly contested field.

As the F1 circus rolls into Bahrain, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if he can reclaim the top spot in the standings — and keep the championship race burning with intensity.