Max Verstappen wins Japanese Grand Prix for first victory of season

Jun 18, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (NED) stands on the podium after his win at the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Max Verstappen managed to out-qualify both McLarens and cruised from pole to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. With the win, Verstappen becomes the first driver to win four consecutive Japanese Grand Prixs. Finishing behind Verstappen were Lando Norris and then Oscar Piastri.

As a result of the race, Verstappen now sits just one point behind Norris in the driver’s championship.

Though Verstappen won the race, his Red Bull teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, finished 12th, two spots outside of the points after replacing Liam Lawson for Red Bull’s second seat.

Lawson had another uninspiring weekend and finished 17th after being swapped with Tsunoda and being bumped down to Racing Bulls.

With the Japanese Grand Prix wrapped up, next up in the first of two triple-headers this season are Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Verstappen was pleased to win his first race of the season.