The Japanese Grand Prix has always been a fan favourite, known for its rich history, passionate fans, and the legendary Suzuka Circuit. Among its many memorable races, the 2005 edition stands tall as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable in Formula 1 history.
In a season already wrapped up in terms of the Drivers’ Championship, with Fernando Alonso crowned as champion, the penultimate round in Japan offered drivers a rare opportunity to go all-out. What followed was a masterpiece of racing – with Kimi Räikkönen stealing the show in stunning fashion.
A Wild Start: Mixed Grid and Rain Chaos
Heading into the weekend, expectations were high for a dramatic race. But no one could have predicted the chaos that unfolded during qualifying.
A rain-affected session turned the grid upside down. Ralf Schumacher took a shock pole position for Toyota, while championship heavyweights Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso found themselves starting 17th and 16th, respectively. Even Michael Schumacher, a six-time winner at Suzuka, lined up only 14th.
With cars out of position and overtaking opportunities scarce at the tight and technical Suzuka Circuit, few expected a thrilling race. But what unfolded was one of F1’s greatest ever comebacks.
Right from lights out, Räikkönen wasted no time. His McLaren MP4-20 was arguably the fastest car on the grid that year, and it showed. He carved through the field with relentless pace, overtaking backmarkers with precision and confidence.
Meanwhile, Alonso was equally entertaining – none more so than his audacious move on Michael Schumacher at 130R, one of the fastest corners in the sport.
Kimi Räikkönen battles with Fernando Alonso (Photo by Kazuhiro Nogi/Getty Images)
The Spaniard swept around the outside in a move that still lives on in F1 highlight reels.
Back at the front, Giancarlo Fisichella had taken the lead for Renault, while Jenson Button, Mark Webber, and David Coulthard formed the chasing pack. Yet all eyes were fixed on the charging McLaren in P17.
The Turning Point: Strategy and Pace
McLaren opted for a clever strategy: they ran Räikkönen long in his first stint, allowing him to gain track position while others pitted earlier. On fresh tyres and in clear air, the Finn unleashed a blistering pace unmatched by anyone else on the track.
Every lap, he brought himself closer to the podium positions. His overtakes were clean, calculated, and fearless – each one drawing gasps from the Japanese crowd.
By lap 44 of 53, Räikkönen was up to second. Only Fisichella stood between him and the unlikeliest of victories.
The Final Lap: Legendary Move at Turn One
As the final lap began, Räikkönen was within striking distance. With the crowd on its feet, he got a perfect exit from the final chicane and tucked into Fisichella’s slipstream down the main straight.
Then, at Turn 1, the unthinkable happened – he went around the outside. A bold move, executed to perfection, giving him the lead and triggering massive applause from the Suzuka grandstands.
He crossed the line to claim victory, having started 17th – a feat that remains one of the greatest comebacks in Formula 1 history.
Although the championship was already decided in favour of Alonso, this race proved just how dominant McLaren had become. Räikkönen’s win marked his seventh of the season – yet reliability issues earlier in the year meant he had missed out on the title.
It was also a pivotal race for Fisichella, who was criticised post-race for failing to defend more aggressively. Meanwhile, Alonso’s charge to third from 16th further cemented his status as a champion worthy of the title.
But ultimately, the day belonged to Kimi Räikkönen, whose talent, bravery, and relentless pursuit of victory delivered a performance for the ages.
Kimi Räikkönen celebrates his victory on the podium alongside Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando Alonso (Photo by Sutton Images/Getty Images)
Why the 2005 Japanese GP Is So Special
This race had everything: mixed conditions, a jumbled grid, daring overtakes, and a dramatic final-lap pass for the win. It was the perfect example of why fans love Formula 1 – a sport where anything can happen.
The Suzuka Circuit itself added to the magic. Its figure-eight layout, iconic corners like Spoon and 130R, and the enthusiastic Japanese fans created a backdrop worthy of such a spectacle.
For Räikkönen, this race became one of the defining moments of his career. For fans, it remains one of the most rewatchable and talked-about races of the modern era.
As we look ahead to the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, it is worth remembering races like these. They remind us that no matter the starting position, in Formula 1, the race is never over until the chequered flag falls.
Whether this year’s edition brings similar drama remains to be seen – but if it delivers even a fraction of the excitement of 2005, fans are in for a treat.
AloJapan.com