Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed an impressive pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix and went on take his first Formula 1 victory of the season.
The McLaren duo completed the podium as the majority of the top 10 finished in grid order.
Here's what our team of writers thought straight after the finish in Suzuka.
Verstappen won't give up on fifth title
If the weekend in Suzuka showed one thing, it's that Verstappen is not going to give up his fifth title without a fight. If 2025 ends up being McLaren's year, at least the Dutchman will give the Woking duo a very good run for their money.
Verstappen's pole lap - as the data shows, especially the final chicane - was one of the most impressive performances of the season so far.
His response in the press conference to a question suggesting that the Red Bull car is now "where he wants it to be" was telling. "Where I want it to be?" repeated Verstappen with a look of astonishment on his face. It underlines that he's still not happy with the RB21, but that didn't stop him from beating McLaren and taking his first win of the season. It just goes to show that, even with a difficult car, you should never write off the reigning world champion...
- Ronald Vording
McLaren can't just run away
Can we still say that McLaren has the fastest car after a race won by a driver from another team? Probably not, but there is still enough evidence to suggest that the papaya team remains the season's favourite. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were breathing down Verstappen's neck throughout the race - and potentially could've easily driven away from him had they started in front.
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
But the Suzuka race was a reminder that you can never count out Verstappen. Even if McLaren does have the advantage, it's not big enough to just ignore the Dutchman - and, while he's within striking distance, he'll always be a constant threat.
- Oleg Karpov
Tsunoda needs more time in the car - but does he have it?
Well, it hasn't been a dream start for Yuki Tsunoda with Red Bull. He showed early signs of promise - and at least kept the car on track. But his entire weekend was basically wasted in Q2, where he just couldn't put a lap together - and didn't even beat his Q1 time. And, while that suggests there's more potential, it's also important to stress that Tsunoda needs to start delivering soon. You'd have to grant him a discount for the first weekend - after all, he had to familiarise himself with the car. But now that he has done the full race, he needs to start applying the lessons.
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing
