Predictions for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix – By Joe Murphy
After two rounds of the season, Formula 1 decided to take a week off. Now that’s out of the way, all eyes are on Japan for what is set to be a tantalising spectacle as the cars don Suzuka for what is always an entertaining encounter.
The country which has crowned more World Champions than any other won’t be doing such this weekend. However, with Norris and Piastri claiming a victory each so far, someone can make a statement and emerge on Sunday evening the title favourite. Or perhaps, Verstappen could remind everyone that he isn’t to be dismissed so easily. The same goes Leclerc, Russell and Hamilton. And how will Yuki get on in his new seat?
Yuki Tsunoda will struggle. He’s a talented driver but you should expect a big margin to Verstappen, considering the sharp turnaround. You can also expect Liam Lawson to outperform Isack Hadjar on his RB return, implying that it was the car at fault at the sister team, as supposed to the driver.
George Russell will drop out of the top five, with Ferrari and even Williams giving him a run for his money. Speaking of Williams, this could be the week whether Carlos Sainz stars after a less than enthralling start since his move from the aforementioned Ferrari.
Fernando Alonso likewise should bounce back to get one of the lower points positions, where you also expect to find Yuki somewhere in there, along with Alex Albon, who should just have the edge on Kiki Antonelli.
The Haas of Oliver Bearman won’t finish as high again, neither will teammate Estaban Ocon. In fact, the same could be said for Sauber and Alpine, with ir looking likely both constructors emerge from Japan with no further points. Pierre Gasly may well be is closest, but expect him to finish in the low teens, just behind Lance Stroll and Liam Lawson.
Up top, McLaren’s streak of 1-2 finishes could come to an end. Lando is set for the win, but expert Leclerc and Verstappen to join him in the post race celebrations, with Oscar Piastri just missing out. We may also see old teammates looking particularly racey, as Hamilton may just have enough to keep Russell at bay.
Top 10 – Predictions for Race Results
1. Norris
2.Verstappen
3.Leclerc
4.Piastri
5.Hamilton
6.Russell
7.Sainz
8.Tsunoda
9.Albon
10.Alonso
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 