Max Verstappen dominates the Japanese Grand Prix for the fourth consecutive year, repelling the onslaught of the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who complete the podium. The Dutch champion was able to contain Norris's mid-race attack, after a simultaneous pit stop, and then handled the pursuers' final forcing with his usual coolness. Fourth place for Charles Leclerc, who saved Ferrari's day by pulling ahead of George Russell. Sixth, but absolute protagonist, was Andrea Kimi Antonelli: the Mercedes rookie, author of the fastest lap and a very long first stint, became at 18 years and 7 months the youngest driver in F1 history to lead a Grand Prix, staying in the lead for ten laps. A record snatched right from Verstappen. Colorless race for Lewis Hamilton, who finished seventh, ahead of Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), Alexander Albon (Williams) and Oliver Bearman (Haas), who complete the points zone. Yuki Tsunoda, 12th with Red Bull in his home race, disappoints the expectations. In the drivers' standings, Norris remains leader by a single point over Verstappen (62 to 61), with Piastri at 49 and Russell at 45. Antonelli remains a revelation with 30 points, ahead of Leclerc (20), Albon (18) and Hamilton (15). In the Constructors' Championship, McLaren stretches to 111, ahead of Mercedes (75) and Red Bull (61), increasingly dependent on Verstappen alone. Ferrari follows with 35 points, followed by Williams (19).