Max Verstappen said winning on home ground for engine supplier Honda was an “insane” result for Red Bull.
Sporting a special white-and-red tribute livery to the team’s engine supplier, Verstappen claimed his fourth consecutive victory at the Suzuka track, despite being pursued all afternoon by McLaren’s two drivers.Verstappen, who captured pole position by one hundredth of a second, said taking his first win of the season in Japan was the perfect way to mark the final season of the team’s partnership with its engine supplier.
“Already yesterday was a very beautiful day for us. And then of course to follow it up with a win is just fantastic.
“Honestly, the relationship that we’ve had with Honda has been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed my time with them – how they work, how professional they are and how dedicated they are. They’ve given me so much.
“Together we’ve won four drivers’ championships and two constructors’. It’s been unbelievable and also, of course, something you’ll never forget.”
Although he came under pressure from the McLaren drivers throughout the race, Verstappen said the thought of winning for Honda “did cross my mind while driving, as well.”
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“I said it would be insane to win here today, also for Honda on their track,” he added. “So maybe it gave that extra motivation to try to stay ahead. It’s a proper send-off, we couldn’t have wished for a better weekend to be honest.”
Having only narrowly beaten the McLaren drivers to pole position, Verstappen said his car’s performance in the race was better than expected.
“The whole race I saw two orange cars in my mirror and especially those last 20 laps we were pushing quite hard out there. You could just feel the tyres were degrading more and more but you had to keep on fighting it, basically being on the limit.
“It was better than expected, to be honest, my race pace. I do think that probably the cooler track helped us out a bit with less tyre overheating.”
Verstappen said he was “very proud of this result,” which is the 64th grand prix victory of his career.
“I think most of it was done yesterday, being able to start from pole, because around here I think it’s just very hard to follow. The cars are improving every single year, more downforce, and probably you’ll see it’s just a bit harder to follow. You only have one DRS zone as well here, so it’s very tough. Plus the degradation seemed quite low, so you do a one-stop, so I think that definitely helps.
“But still, we take it, we really maximised the weekend, and I’m very proud of everyone.”
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2025 Japanese Grand Prix
- McLaren has to accept upsetting either of its drivers sometimes – Stella
- Verstappen ‘can test our car, I look forward to seeing his disappointment’ – Norris
- Verstappen insists McLaren domination claim was ‘no joke’ after Piastri’s doubt
- Extra mandatory pit stop won’t create more passing at tracks like Suzuka – Sainz
- Mercedes took note of Verstappen’s out-lap tactics after stunning Suzuka pole position
Jere (@jerejj)
6th April 2025, 12:07
Honda mightn’t necessarily get a chance to enjoy victory in Suzuka for a little while unless they succeed with the upcoming PU concept & Aston Martin with the aero changes.
Jungle
6th April 2025, 12:25
All the while the big duck in the pond is watching….Toyota Gazoo!
Ferdi
6th April 2025, 15:52
All in all, everything this weekend did act as if Max and Honda will find each other again in the future. Aston – Newey – Max. I just don’t see baby Stroll in this story, unless Alonso wants to hand over the baton, which would be a huge shame. Because a Max-Fernando pairing in a Newey car sounds like something I would like to watch.
Bullfrog (@bullfrog)
6th April 2025, 22:44
Fernando has always liked Honda engines…!
Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
6th April 2025, 12:17
I think Honda should be happy with today.
Not only did Max put them on top, but Yuki gave a decent debut performance as well in my opinion.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
7th April 2025, 12:07
Eliminated in q2 and unable to pass midfield cars is not a good red bull performance in my book.
The only question mark is: would he have made q3 with a second lap? Rest was negative, although slightly better than lawson did in the same car.
Only Facts!
6th April 2025, 12:47
Honda had so many farewell races that one can loose the count…
But yeah, winning in Suzuka for Honda, with an impeccable drive in the third (fourth?) car on the grid, it’s heroic.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
7th April 2025, 12:09
Should be 2nd to 3rd best car.
Honda
6th April 2025, 16:31
Definitely this was most special race even though Max has won now last 4times in Suzuka. But with Honda livery on their track is a fitting end. Yuki 3.9secs off P10 was a shame though. High downforace setup, lacking top speed and no tire wear meant his race was decided yesterday after Q2. It was a dull race and qualifying decided the race for everyone.
Coventry Climax
8th April 2025, 9:54
Like he said, track temperature made the difference. The other two races showed a McLaren that’s kinder on tyres.
So unless Red Bull solve or have solved this, they will struggle to win more. Not undoable though, even without Newey.