Japanese GP Results: Max Verstappen shatters Michael Schumacher’s record to claim victory in Suzuka

Max Verstappen held on to claim victory at the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit on Sunday.

Having secured pole on Saturday, the Red Bull driver converted it into a commanding victory on Sunday, holding off a spirited challenge from McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Despite Red Bull entering the weekend with what many considered the third or fourth fastest car on the grid, Verstappen found another level when it mattered most.

In doing so, the defending World Champion surpassed the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher’s triple triumph at Suzuka between 2000 and 2002 is a feat that had never been bettered by even the likes of Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel. 

“Wow! Thank you guys! Wow! What a great weekend, what an unbelievable turnaround after the difficult start, you see, we never give up, we just keep pushing together,” Verstappen said on the team radio, as per talk SPORT.

More than just a victory, Verstappen’s Suzuka win carried emotional weight.

 With Red Bull’s engine supplier Honda preparing to exit their partnership in 2026, this marked a symbolic farewell at their home Grand Prix.

Speaking post-race, the four-time world champion reflected: “It means a lot to me, it was in the back of my mind the last few laps thinking ‘wow I need to stay ahead, it would be a great story’.

A final farewell race here with Honda in Japan and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over all those years together and this is a perfect send off.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was full of praise for the 27-year-old Dutchman, calling it “one of your finest weekends ever... a truly inspirational performance.” 

And the accolades continued from within the paddock as Red Bull’s head of driver development Helmut Marko noted, “Not a single mistake, driving absolutely on the limit. Only he can do that... masterfully done.”

With this historic win, Verstappen not only further cements his legacy among Formula One’s greats but also put up one of the finest individual performances Suzuka has witnessed in the modern era.

1, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) WINNER

2, Lando Norris (McLaren) +1.4s

3, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +2.1s

4, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +16.0s

5, George Russell (Mercedes) +17.3s

6, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +18.6s

7, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +29.1s

8, Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +37.1s

9, Alex Albon (Williams) +40.3s

10, Ollie Bearman (Haas) +54.5s

11, Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +57.3s

12, Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +58.4s

13, Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +62.1s

14, Carlos Sainz (Williams) +74.1s

15, Jack Doohan (Alpine) +81.3s

16, Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) +81.9s

17, Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +82.7s

18, Esteban Ocon (Haas) +83.4s

19, Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +83.8s

20, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) + 1 lap