Lando Norris Picked To Win 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

• What? 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix
• Where? Suzuka Circuit, Japan
• When? Saturday, April 5, 2025

The Formula 1 season rolls on with one of the most iconic stops on the calendar—Suzuka—as it hosts the third round of the championship at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Marking the opening leg of the season's first triple-header, this race precedes back-to-back events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia over the next two weeks. Suzuka remains a beloved circuit among drivers, known for its fast, flowing corners that push both their skills and their cars' aerodynamic capabilities to the limit. But which driver will emerge victorious? Let’s delve into the Formula 1 betting online odds.

2025 Japanese Grand Prix
Lando Norris	+150	+150	+150
Oscar Piastri	+175	+200	+185
Max Verstappen	+650	+650	+600
Charles Leclerc	+1200	+1400	+1200
George Russell	+1200	+1200	+1200
Lewis Hamilton	+1200	+1400	+1200

Lando Norris, the current frontrunner in the F1 Championship odds, enters the Japanese Grand Prix as the favorite for the third consecutive race. Following his victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, holds the second-shortest odds.

Lando Norris (+150)

Lando Norris faced a tense conclusion to the Chinese Grand Prix, battling not only his competitors but also his own car. In the final laps, while running second behind teammate and eventual winner Oscar Piastri, Norris reported over the radio that his brake pedal had gone long.

Despite the issue, he still secured a runner-up finish behind Piastri at the Shanghai International Circuit. Norris is the leading contender to take the checkered flag in Suzuka. Having mastered treacherous conditions to win the Australian Grand Prix, he’ll be eager to replicate that success in Japan.

Forecasts indicate a rain-hit race at Suzuka International Racing Course, which could play into Norris’ strengths. He showcased exceptional control to triumph in wet conditions in Melbourne, and if his car performs without issues, he has a strong chance of returning to the top step of the podium in Japan.

Norris is our pick to win the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix.

Lando Norris To Win 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

+150

Bovada

You can read our Bovada sportsbook review for much more information about this betting site.

Let's look at the odds for some of the other drivers.

Oscar Piastri (+200)

Oscar Piastri is shaping up to be one of Lando Norris' biggest rivals in the F1 title race, and the betting markets indicate he poses the greatest challenge to Norris in Japan as well. The McLaren driver showcased his talent in Shanghai, converting pole position into victory on March 23—marking the third win of his young career.

Adding to his triumphs in Hungary and Azerbaijan last season, Piastri’s latest victory further cements his status as a rising star. It was his first-ever F1 pole position, and he capitalized on the opportunity flawlessly. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ George Russell secured his second consecutive third-place finish but trailed the race winner by nearly 10 seconds.

Currently sitting fourth in the 2024 standings, Piastri is just 10 points behind championship leader Norris, who has amassed 44 points. From his opening race in Melbourne, Piastri has demonstrated that he is a genuine title contender in 2025, and as the action shifts to Japan, he could once again find himself in the fight for victory.

Max Verstappen (+650)

Max Verstappen returns to Suzuka International Racing Course with his sights set on a fourth consecutive victory at the circuit. The reigning F1 Drivers’ Champion is back at one of his strongest tracks, making him a serious contender to secure his first win of the season. Heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen holds the third-shortest odds to claim the title once again.

While Verstappen dominated much of the 2024 season, cracks began to show for Red Bull. After winning seven of the first 10 races and establishing a comfortable lead, he endured a 10-race drought before closing the season with two wins in the final four rounds. That winless streak has carried over into 2025, with the Dutchman settling for P2 and P4 finishes in the opening two races.

This season presents a tougher challenge for Verstappen than in recent years, as he battles to defend his title. Matching Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive championships remains a daunting task, and if he hopes to keep his chances alive, a victory at Suzuka could be crucial.

George Russell (+1200)

George Russell had every reason to smile after the Chinese Grand Prix, securing consecutive podium finishes in 2025 with a third-place result behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. With two impressive performances to start the season, Russell has gained the confidence of bookmakers, emerging as a serious contender for the Japanese Grand Prix title.

Following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Russell has stepped up as Mercedes’ lead driver, with rookie Kimi Antonelli joining the team. Throughout the first two races, Russell has playfully teased Norris in media sessions, jokingly labeling himself the title favorite—perhaps in an attempt to add some psychological pressure on his fellow Brit.

A victory at Suzuka would go a long way in reinforcing his championship aspirations and proving that he is more than just a challenger in the early stages of the season.

Charles Leclerc (+1400)

Charles Leclerc reinforced his reputation as one of the most talented drivers on the grid during the 2024 season. He claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix after fending off a late challenge from Oscar Piastri and finally secured a long-awaited win at his home race in Monaco.

Throughout the season, Leclerc consistently outperformed his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz in both qualifying and race results, ultimately finishing third in the championship with 340 points—falling just short of second place behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.

However, the start of the new season has been far from ideal for the Monegasque driver. After finishing P8 in Melbourne, he suffered disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Despite his rough start, bookmakers still consider him a strong contender for victory in Japan.

Below is our partner table of some of the best online betting sites. You can read our Best Sportsbook Reviews 2025 to help you determine the best option for your Formula 1 bets.