2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Top 5 Predictions: Yuki Tsunoda & Lewis Hamilton to make a difference

We are heading into Japan for the 2025 Japanese Grand prix at the Suzuka circuit. Over the years, the circuit has favoured the top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. Max Verstappen won the last three races here at Suzuka, and can he make it four in a row?

Lewis Hamilton has the most number of wins in this track, can he win his sixth Japanese Grand Prix and equal schumacher’s record. We predicted some of it and mainly Yuki Tsunoda’s first race with the Red Bull racing team. The Japanese race track will also be tough for the rookie drivers.

Here are the top 5 predictions for the 2025 F1 Japanese Grand prix

1. Yuki Tsunoda makes the top 10

The Japanese driver who will drive his first race with Red Bull is expected to show improvement in his home grand prix. Lawson was replaced with Yuki as Red Bull felt a more experienced driver could soon adapt to the car. 

We are expecting the same as Yuki Tsunoda with all his experience will make a difference in Suzuka. He has more experience with the track conditions. Tsunoda is expected to finish inside the top 10 and score points for the team.

2. Lewis Hamilton inside podium

Ferrari was fighting with an unknown issue in their car in the first two races. The seven-time world champion joined Ferrari with a dream of an eighth Formula 1 world title. However, the results in the first two races are a contradiction as he is standing 10th in the driver's standings. But we expect all those issues are sorted out now, and the car will show some improvement in the Japanese Grand prix. The F1 legend already has a great record in Suzuka, and we expect him to finish on the podium.

3. McLaren will win the race, but not Lando

As usual, McLaren is the fastest team, and their cars' best aerodynamic design will help their driver top the table. But we don't see Lando Norris winning the Japanese Grand prix. Oscar Piastri, who is celebrating his birthday on April 6th, will be the winner.

We are not underestimating Lando Norris and his skills, but we feel Oscar Piastri has the momentum, and he will not let that get carried away by someone. McLaren won't stop their drivers if there is any intra-team battle, and Piastri now has a more positive mindset to win the race. 

Also Read:Ranking the Top 5 F1 drivers with most wins at the Japanese GP: Who’s the King of Suzuka?

4. Which driver will be a surprise package?

The surprise package during the Japanese Grand Prix will be Williams Racing. Last year’s Japanese race was a disaster for the team, but for the 2025 season, they have a more experienced driver lineup. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are again predicted to finish inside the top 10 or maybe even the top 5.

5. Three or more retirements

Every year, we see something happening in Japan, and this year is no exception. We have five rookies driving this year, and they are very new to the track. So there could be three or more retirements in the race; it can either be crashes or mechanical issues. But Kimi Antonelli is predicted to score points that makes it three in a row for the Italian driver.

Also Read: From death to F1 title loss: Ranking the top 5 biggest disasters at the Japanese GP - WATCH