Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris at the lap 22 of Japanese Grand Prix 2025. [Credits: X/ Formula 1]

Red Bull Gives Verstappen Wings as Lando Norris Becomes a “Lawnmower”!

Can you use a Formula 1 car to cut grass? Here's Lando Norris's answer.

Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris at the lap 22 of Japanese Grand Prix 2025. [Credits: X/ Formula 1]

The Japanese Grand Prix was a very calm and collected race. It was highly unlikely that Suzuka would spare its rookies as the third race of the season. But, contrary to popular beliefs, the Japanese Grand Prix let every driver finish their race. The only racing action viewers could witness was the everlasting struggle of Lando Norris.

The Briton drove his McLaren to its utmost limits. However, he could not compete against the four-time world champion cruising in the clean air in front of him. To make matters worse, Norris was becoming the prey to his own teammate. Oscar Piastri was racing him hard to get in front and challenge Verstappen.

All the drama! ⚔️

There is a difference of opinions on the earlier pit exit moment between Verstappen and Norris over the radio👇#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/jnu3zteyJK
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2025

The only time Lando Norris got close to Verstappen was during a pit stop. But, what can a Formula 1 driver do with a pit stop right? Very wrong. Lando Norris was determined to get past Verstappen.

His actions and Verstappen’s defence culminated into a scary moment for the McLaren. Here’s how Lando Norris and Max Verstappen gave the viewers a near heart attack during the first half of the race.

Lando Norris Tussles with Max Verstappen After Pit Stop

Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix was underway at Suzuka International Circuit. Max Verstappen was leading the race with Lando Norris behind him. Norris could not get withing 1s of Verstappen to activate his DRS and overtake Max. At lap 22, McLaren and Red Bull made the decision to pit their cars. Norris and Verstappen swerved into the pitlane as their teams got ready to change their tires.

McLaren made a lighting fast 2.37s pit stop for Lando Norris allowing him to exit the stop at the exact same time as Verstappen. Here’s where things started to get ugly. As the two drivers moved forward towards the pit exit, Verstappen decided to spread the “wings” Red Bull gave him.

Lando Norris who was hoping to gain track position, was pinned towards the right. He kept trying to brush past Verstappen but ended up on the grass. Verstappen steered clear of his rival. Lando Norris on the other hand, was left fending for himself. He had to get rid of the grass on his new tyres before he could start pushing for pace.

"Quite an expensive lawn mower" 😂

Max and Lando share a laugh over that dicey pit lane exit#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/xsjDdPhrUL
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2025

The two drivers engaged in a radio war then and there. Norris wanted FIA to probe into the incident but FIA decided that they had better things to attend to. Max Verstappen was not handed in a penalty and Norris lost his only chance of overtaking Verstappen in the race.

Max and Lando’s shenanigans were reminiscent of their past troubles. The two drivers were engaged in a fierce battle during the 2024 drivers’ championship. Last year, Lando Norris could not get the better of Max Verstappen. It seems like Max Verstappen still has the edge in the battle in 2025.

Gentlemen, A Short View Back to the Past

Red Bull Racing champions do know a thing or two about overtaking in the pit lane. Verstappen’s move may or may not have been inspired by a senior at Red Bull. Nearly a decade ago, Sebastian Vettel made a similar overtake in the pit lane. He was racing for Ferrari that time at the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel is Red Bull’s driver’s champion. He is a former Formula 1 driver and four-time world champion. Vettel overtook two cars at the pit lane entry using his shrewd tactics during the race.

The Japanese Grand Prix may have been rather boring for some of the drivers but it also created a huge stir in the world championship. Follow Formula 1 on The Playoffs to know the latest updates in the pinnacle of motor racing.

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Formula 1 2025 Season

Japanese Grand Prix

Lando Norris

Max Verstappen

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Red Bull Racing

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.