Tokyo: Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull was crowned today as the winner of the Japanese Grand Prix, part of the Formula 1 World Championship. Verstappen capitalized on his pole position start to put an end to McLaren’s early dominance in this season’s championship. The reigning world champion for the past four seasons secured his 64th career win and his first victory of the current season.

According to Qatar News Agency, McLaren’s duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, finished second and third respectively. Neither Norris nor Piastri, winners of the season’s first two races, posed any real threat to Verstappen throughout the 53 laps at the Suzuka Circuit.

The win serves as a boost for Verstappen and Red Bull in a season many had predicted would be dominated by McLaren en route to the title. Verstappen is now just one point behind Norris in the overall drivers’ standings.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli came in fifth and sixth. Ferrari’s other driver, Lewis Hamilton, finished seventh after gaining one position during the race.