2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Highlights

The 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix wrapped up with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber finishing in P16 and P19 in what was a thrilling yet challenging race at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. 🌧️🏁

Despite overnight rain, the race started in dry conditions, setting the stage for another typically difficult Suzuka race known for its tough overtaking opportunities. The team opted for a split strategy, with Nico Hulkenberg starting on medium tyres while Gabriel Bortoleto began the race on hard compounds. 🔄

While Gabriel faced a tough start, slipping to the back of the grid, his recovery was impressive, showing a pace that was competitive with the lower-midfield runners. 💪 On the other hand, Nico Hulkenberg maintained a solid performance throughout the race, battling fiercely with his direct rivals from the very first lap to the final stages. 👊

In the end, both drivers crossed the finish line in a tight group of five cars, separated by just 2.6 seconds. This close battle underscores the fierce competition at the Japanese GP. 🔥

As the first triple-header of the season begins, the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber crew can take pride in their efforts at Suzuka. The team now turns its attention to the next challenge at the Bahrain International Circuit next weekend, followed by the high-speed action of the Saudi Arabian GP. 🚗💨

Nico Hulkenberg, Driver, Kick Sauber F1 Team

The car actually felt pretty good today—I definitely would’ve liked the chance to push it a bit more. But Suzuka is one of those circuits where overtaking is really tough, and that ended up shaping the race for me. Spent most of the afternoon stuck in traffic, which made it hard to build momentum or fight forward, so it turned into a relatively quiet one out there.

Of course, that’s a bit frustrating, but we’re learning every weekend. There’s still work to do in terms of overall pace and how the car behaves, and today just highlighted that again. It’s still early days in the season, though, and we’ll keep pushing. 👊

Gabriel Bortoleto, Driver, Kick Sauber F1 Team

Of course, I was aiming for more than what we ultimately achieved—but I’m still leaving Suzuka with my head held high. It’s been a positive weekend overall, full of valuable lessons. Since Melbourne, the learning curve has been steady, and I’m feeling more confident and in control with every session.

Massive thanks to the entire team—both trackside and back in Hinwil—for their constant support. We’re all in this together, and their dedication never goes unnoticed.

Today’s race didn’t start the way I hoped; getting stuck at the back early on made recovery tough, especially on a circuit like Suzuka, where overtaking is always a challenge. But every lap taught me something new, and I’ll carry those learnings into Bahrain as we take on the second leg of this triple-header. Let’s keep pushing! 💪🇯🇵➡️🇧🇭

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal, Kick Sauber F1 Team

💬 There are plenty of positives to take from this weekend’s race. Although Gabriel had a tough start, he showed great pace and fought back strongly. Both he and Nico held their own, keeping up with the lower midfield pack—a clear step forward in competitiveness. Nico delivered another composed and consistent performance. Considering the difficulty of overtaking at Suzuka and being caught in the DRS train behind Jack Doohan, his persistence right to the final lap was commendable. I also want to highlight the excellent teamwork and some encouraging pitstop times—we’re seeing real progress there. This is a solid way to kick off the triple-header. A big thank you to the race team on-site and everyone at the factory for their continued support and effort. Onwards and upwards. 👊

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