Aaj Ki Janta

Suzuka, Japan – April 6, 2025 — Max Verstappen reminded the Formula 1 world why he wears the No.1 on his car with a flawless and commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. It wasn’t just a win — it was a masterclass in precision, poise, and racecraft that stunned the paddock and fans alike.

The race itself may not go down as a thriller, but Verstappen’s performance was unforgettable. From a blistering pole lap in qualifying to a composed Sunday drive where he kept both McLarens at bay, the Dutch driver delivered what his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase hailed over team radio as: “That’s perfection. Just perfection, Max.”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner echoed the sentiment, calling Verstappen’s weekend “inspirational.” The victory brings Verstappen just one point behind Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship after three races — a stunning feat given McLaren’s dominant pace so far this season and Red Bull’s admitted struggles with the RB21 chassis.

Much of the buzz around Suzuka centered on Red Bull’s latest shuffle of its second seat, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping in for Liam Lawson. However, Verstappen’s brilliance in qualifying — which even left Fernando Alonso in awe — highlighted the ever-growing gap between him and any teammate thrown into the other Red Bull.

“He’s the reference for all of us,” said Alonso. “That lap was only down to him. He’s doing magical things with a car that’s clearly not the best on the grid.”

Verstappen’s ability to extract the absolute maximum — and then some — from an unpredictable car is becoming his signature trait. Red Bull’s car may not be perfect, but Verstappen doesn’t seem to care. He adapts, refines, and executes. That’s what makes him a four-time world champion chasing a fifth.

As McLaren continues to battle itself with Norris and Piastri both looking strong, Verstappen might just find an opening in their intra-team rivalry. While Norris and Piastri split the spoils in Australia and China, Verstappen’s win at Suzuka proved that the title fight could become a three-way battle.

When asked about whether he believes he’s in the title mix, Verstappen kept it cool:
“It’s a very long season. A lot can happen. I just focus on my own performances — maximize what I can control.”

As the season heats up, Verstappen’s understated dominance is once again proving impossible to ignore. If Red Bull can extract more from the RB21, the reigning champion could very well add another title to his legacy — and perhaps in the most hard-fought fashion yet.