Max Verstappen was left "incredibly happy" after sealing a fourth consecutive victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. 

Verstappen bounced back from a tough start to the weekend to fend off the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to win in Suzuka with a fine display. 

The Dutchman's fourth consecutive victory in Japan was his first of the year and moved him to within one point of Norris at the head of the drivers' championship.

Verstappen became the first driver in the history of the competition to put together four wins at the circuit. Only in Abu Dhabi has he also managed to do so (also four). 

The reigning world champion also became the sixth driver to achieve at least one victory in the 10 different seasons in Formula One. 

He equalled the record held by Nelson Piquet and Sebastian Vettel (10 each). In fact, Verstappen has won at least one race in 10 consecutive years, something only Michael Schumacher (15), Lewis Hamilton (15) and Alain Prost (10) have achieved.

But it was not without its troubles, with Verstappen battling with Norris and Piastri throughout the race. 

"It was tough, [I was] just pushing very hard, especially on the last set [of tyres]," Verstappen said. "The two McLarens were pushing me very hard, and it was a lot of fun out there.

"Not easy, of course, to manage the tyres, but I'm incredibly happy.

"It 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.

"Of course, starting on pole really made it possible to win this race. It's very important to always try to maximise your performance, and I think we did that very well this weekend."

This victory means everything #F1 || #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/byG4rMw6tV

— Oracle Red Bull Racing | オラクル・レッドブルレーシング (@redbullracing) April 6, 2025

Pushed on how much the Suzuka Circuit means to him as his run of success at the venue continues – with this win taking place during the final year of Red Bull's partnership with Japanese manufacturer Honda – Verstappen responded: "It means a lot to me. 

"It was in the back of my mind as well in those last few laps – I was like I need to try and stay ahead.

"It would be a great story for our final farewell race together with Honda here in Japan.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved over all those years together, and I think this is a perfect send-off."

In terms of how much pressure he felt from the chasing McLarens, Verstappen said he was not affected much, as he also gave his take on the pit exit incident with Norris.

"I was quite calm," the Dutch driver said. "I've been in this position before, but I just tried to focus on my own laps, trying to not make any mistakes. 

"Making sure that the balance was driveable, because, of course, throughout the stint the tyre life, it definitely changes the balance a bit from front to rear.

"But we managed everything really well and were just very happy with this result. And then, of course, with that pit lane thing, yeah, it was tight."