Japanese Grand Prix predictions, betting odds and tips: Norris can hit back at Suzuka

Where to watch the Japanese Grand Prix

Practice one
3.30am Friday

Practice two
7am Friday

Practice three
3.30am Saturday

Qualifying
7am Saturday

Race
6am Sunday

Prediction & best bets

Lando Norris to win Japanese Grand Prix
2pts 6-4 Betfair, Hills, Paddy Power

Esteban Ocon points finish
1pt 7-1 bet365, Betfair, Paddy Power

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Japanese Grand Prix odds

Odds correct at time of publication

Japanese Grand Prix predictions

Oscar Piastri made it one win apiece for the McLaren drivers to start the 2025 Formula 1 season, but championship leader Lando Norris is the man to side with in this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

Norris looked a little out of sorts in Shanghai last time, failing to put a clean lap together in qualifying and unable to make any impression in the sprint race.

In the Grand Prix itself, Norris battled a brake issue for much of the race and the chequered flag came just in time for him to hold on to second place.

But despite those issues, the McLaren was clearly the fastest package in China, as it had been in Australia in the season opener, and that is likely to be the case again at Suzuka this weekend.

While he was outdone by Piastri last time, Norris is generally the faster of the two McLaren pilots and, at the odds, the Bristolian makes most appeal to keep his team's winning run going.

The biggest news to come out of the paddock since Shanghai is the sacking of Liam Lawson from Red Bull after just two races.

The young New Zealander could not get anywhere near the pace of his four-time world champion teammate Max Verstappen and swaps seats with Yuki Tsunoda, who is promoted from the junior Racing Bulls team.

However, the Red Bull looks a handful to drive and there is no guarantee Tsunoda – with a huge weight of expectation at his home race – will fare any better.

By contrast, the Racing Bulls looks a kinder machine, with rookie Isack Hadjar having done better than his results suggest, and it would be no surprise if Lawson scores his first points of the season this weekend.

The odds aren't particularly attractive though, and a better top-ten bet is Esteban Ocon.

His Haas team put a miserable weekend in Australia behind them with a double points finish in China. Ocon was seventh on the road before being promoted to fifth following the disqualification of both Ferraris, and the experienced Frenchman looks way overpriced to score points again at Suzuka.  

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