Japanese Grand Prix Betting Tips: McLaren to dominate again?
Leading the way in the Constructors’ Championship after the first two races of the season, McLaren’s Lando Norris will go in search of his second win of the campaign at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Currently sitting at the top of the standings with 44 points, ahead of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who has 36, it’s been a positive start for Norris, especially after narrowly missing out on the title last season.
With a competitive and rapidly improving car, he has been a consistent performer this year, showing the potential for further success.
Having had some solid performances at the Japanese Grand Prix in the past, Norris looks more than capable of taking his first chequered flag at the Suzuka International Racing Course this weekend.
The massive improvements made by McLaren this season make him, and his teammate Oscar Piastri, strong contenders for victory again.
Tip 1 – Lando Norris to win @ 5/4
Norris made a steady start to the 2024 season and required five races before he picked up his first win at the Miami Grand Prix.
However, the Brit has not needed time to get into his stride in 2025, winning the Australian Grand Prix on the opening weekend, before a second-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix last time out.
Norris’ performances this season already show a level of consistency in his McLaren that suggests he can land a first win at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
A second-place finish in 2023 is the Bristolian’s best result at Suzuka to date, but given the progress he has made since then, Norris is now a much stronger driver, and his growing confidence should serve him well.
With McLaren's competitive package, he is great value to take the win on Sunday and extend his lead over Red Bull rival Verstappen.
Tip 2 – Fernando Alonso top 10 finish @ 17/20
It’s been a disastrous start to the season for Fernando Alonso, but things should get better for the two-time world champion in Japan this weekend.
A brake issue at the Chinese Grand Prix last week meant the Spaniard has now been forced to retire from his first two races of the season.
However, Aston Martin will be desperately trying to resolve the reliability issues that have plagued Alonso in the opening weeks and, if those problems can be addressed, the veteran driver has a great opportunity to bag his first points of the season on Sunday.
Suzuka is clearly a track the 43-year-old enjoys, having finished sixth in the Japanese Grand Prix last season for Aston Martin.
Alonso’s experience and skill at this particular circuit give him an edge over many competitors and, with the right strategy and a more reliable car, he is well-positioned to continue his run of top 10 finishes.
Having finished in the top 10 in all of his last three visits to the Suzuka International Racing Course, Alonso’s odds are strong to maintain that trend this weekend, despite his early-season setbacks.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change