After each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, offering you an exclusive and playful digital recap of the race weekend. Reporter André Venema brings you up to speed from Japan!
Unique in its Kind
The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most enjoyable of the year for two reasons: the sensational layout of the Suzuka Circuit, designed by Dutchman Hans Hugenholtz, and the creative fans. Every year, they pull out all the stops to support their favorite driver or team.
Behind the main grandstand in Suzuka, you’ll find the so-called Grand Prix Square. It’s the gathering place for all fans, where merchandise sellers do a roaring trade. Japanese fans buy just about everything, or they design their own team clothing at home. Adults wearing homemade headgear with a front wing on it, women in Ferrari kimonos, and children in racing overalls of their favorite driver: you see it all. Japanese fans are unique in their kind and have a reputation to uphold. The drivers, who traditionally receive gifts from them, can attest to this.
The Grand Prix has been moved to a different date on the calendar since last year. From autumn to spring, when the blossoms make Japan even more enchanting and there’s less chance of typhoons. The Japanese race, much to the delight of the drivers who rank the track high on their list of favorites, is scheduled to remain on the calendar until 2029.
“This year, interest has surged more than ever before. This is largely due to Yuki Tsunoda’s transfer. He was promoted from Red Bull’s training team, Racing Bulls, to the parent team, where he has become a colleague of Max Verstappen and is expected to meet high expectations. This has led to three days of total frenzy: Only in Japan!“
Fan-tastic
Max’s Quote
‘Others make more mistakes, but I’m not surprised by that. I know that if I’m close enough, I can””I’m sorry, but you didn’t provide the source language for the text. However, assuming the source language is Dutch, here is the translation:
‘can always make the difference. At this moment, I don’t think we’re close enough, but it worked out well on Saturday.’
Top & Flop
Who or what exceeded expectations? Or fell short? After every Grand Prix, we present the Top and Flop of the race weekend! In Japan, the winner and the one bringing up the rear are the chosen ones this time!
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Highlight: Max Verstappen
As the saying goes, taste is subjective. However, there’s no disputing the quality of Max Verstappen. If the Dutchman hadn’t already made that clear with his four impressive world titles, he certainly did so during this race weekend in Japan. Despite driving the challenging RB21 – as the onboard footage clearly shows – Verstappen secured first place for himself and Red Bull in both the qualification and the race. This was a success that no one expected, not even Verstappen himself, to be honest. He is rightfully the best of the best and thus the highlight of this weekend.
Lowlight: Lance Stroll
One might wonder if Lance Stroll has a twin brother. There’s a Lance Stroll who occasionally surprises with his speed in both qualification and race, even outperforming big names like Fernando Alonso within his own Aston Martin team. But then there’s the Lance Stroll we saw this weekend. Hopeless, emotionless, listless, worthless, uninspired. He finished last in the qualification due to a foolish mistake and then delivered an uninspired performance in the race, ending up in last place again. A definite lowlight!
Behind the Scenes
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Grand Prix of Japan!
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Additional Highlights from Suzuka
We also observed Princess Akiko of Mikasa alongside Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group, on the grid during the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. (Getty Images)
Three Questions for… Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda made his promotion to Red Bull four months later than expected, replacing Liam Lawson after two GPs. His debut at his home race resulted in mixed feelings and no World Championship points after finishing twelfth.
Yuki, how did you experience the week and a half leading up to the race in Japan?
“I don’t think it gets any crazier than this. But of course, it’s a great opportunity: my first race for Red Bull and in front of my home crowd. It doesn’t get any better than this. I prepared myself in the simulator at the factory in Milton Keynes, then spent a few days with the other Red Bull drivers for a demonstration in Tokyo. It was very busy and hectic.”
Did you receive any guarantees from team boss Christian Horner for this year?
“Not in the sense that I have to prove myself in a certain number of races or within a specific timeframe. Christian has only set certain goals that he wants me to achieve: to get as close as possible to Max Verstappen, which is not easy, to score points, and to provide good feedback. But the most important thing is to support Max. Of course, there is extra pressure in a top team, but I feel relaxed and confident in myself.”
What memories do you have of your debut with Red Bull?
“Mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m disappointed because I wanted to score points. On the other hand, I’m also proud to have driven for Red Bull with a Honda engine. I felt the tremendous support of the audience, every single lap. That’s why I wanted to give something back. I did my utmost and learned a lot about the car in those 53 laps. I now know what I need to work on, the qualification will certainly have to improve.”
Win One of These Two Posters!
Formula 1 Podcast
In this Paddock Talk Update, we look back at the Grand Prix of Japan, which Max Verstappen won in a spectacular fashion, despite Red Bull not currently having the best car in Formula 1. We discuss why McLaren couldn’t make a stand this weekend, whether the issues with the RB21 have been resolved, and the impression Yuki Tsunoda left during his debut for Red Bull. All this and more in this Paddock Talk Update from Suzuka!
Next Grand Prix: Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Following the races in Australia, China, and Japan, the Formula 1 season continues with the Grand Prix of Bahrain. This fourth race of the season forms the centerpiece of the first triple header of 2025. The Bahrain International Circuit is known for its spectacular night races and numerous overtaking opportunities. Below you will find the complete schedule for the race weekend, including times in the Netherlands.
Schedule for the Bahrain GP 2025
Friday, April 11
- First free practice: 11:30 – 12:30 UTC
- Second free practice: 15:00 – 16:00 UTC
Saturday, April 12
- Third free practice: 12:30 – 13:30 UTC
- Qualification: 16:00 – 17:00 UTC
Sunday, April 13
- Race: 15:00 UTC
