Four-time defending Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has broken through for his first win of 2025, holding off McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

After starting from pole, the Red Bull superstar was never troubled on Sunday as predicted rain never came to wreck havoc, and he clinched a fourth-straight victory at the Suzuka circuit.

The top-three never swapped the positions they earned during qualifying as the trio set the early pace this season.

“The two McLarens were pushing me very hard, and it was a lot of fun out there,” said Verstappen, who claimed the 64th win of his career.

“Not easy, of course, to manage the tyres. But I’m incredibly happy.

“Started off quite tough this weekend, but we didn’t give up.

“We kept improving the car, and today it was in its best form.”

Norris won the season-opening race at Albert Park in Melbourne, while Australian star Piastri broke through with a superb drive in China two weeks ago.

Piastri secured the 12th podium of his career, admitting he needed to qualify better to secure back-to-back wins.

“The pace today was really, really good, and was very happy with that,” the 24-year-old said.

“Obviously we got close a few times and tried to mount a challenge, but the track position around here is just so important.

“I think yesterday was the day where Max effectively won the race and we didn’t do a good enough job.

“I’ll take the podium. There’s still a lot of positives to take out this week.

“The pace was was mega. Next time I’ll make sure I’m in a better position to use it.”

Verstappen’s new teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who sensationally replaced New Zealander Liam Lawson at Red Bull just two rounds into the season, came 12th in a disappointing drive in front of his home fans in Japan.

Piastri’s fellow Australian Jack Doohan was 15th, while Lawson crossed the line 17th in his first race for new team, Racing Bulls.