Fisher Finally Victorious in Suzuka Showdown as Van Hallen Cracks Under Pressure

"Lights out and away he goes—literally!" says Fisher as commentator Davies suffers power cut during qualifying

The F1 Esports Tier 1 World Championship returned for Round 4 with a fan-favorite: the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The action was expected to be electric, but no one could have predicted that the first drama would come not from the drivers—but from the commentary box.

Power Cut Chaos: Davies Goes Dark

In a bizarre twist during qualifying, lead commentator Harry Davies was struck by a power outage at his home, leaving the broadcast without its voice. But in true showman style, World Champion Matthew Fisher stepped up on team radio, delivering what may go down as the quote of the season:

"I might never get the chance to do this again, but here it goes... lights out and away he goes—quite literally—for our lead commentator who has suffered a power failure at his home. While he battles the national grid, we battle for pole position. Stay tuned for qualifying—just minus the commentary."

With qualifying shaken but not stirred, it was Jos Van Hallen who grabbed pole, with Fisher lining up alongside. Shane Murphy and Bono Huis filled out the second row.

A Lightning Start, A Rookie Error

At lights out, it was Fisher who launched off the line brilliantly—but Van Hallen’s reaction was even sharper. However, into Turn 1, the Red Bull driver committed a rookie mistake: he left the inside wide open. Fisher didn’t hesitate, sweeping through with authority and grabbing the lead.

Behind them, the Alpine of Alain Dupont was on a mission, rocketing into third from fifth and announcing himself as a threat to the front-runners.

The Early Battle and a Game Plan

Fisher knew what was at stake. Winless in 2025, he made it clear on the radio: “Push it to the limit. Use everything.” But Van Hallen wasn’t done. On Lap 5, he retook the lead, forcing Fisher into full attack mode again.

Meanwhile, Dupont played the long game in P3, refusing to get too involved but keeping the leading duo firmly in his sights.

Tyre Drama Hits Fisher

Then came the first bombshell. Van Hallen blinked first, diving into the pits at the end of Lap 5. Fisher stayed out—but disaster struck. Entering the final chicane on Lap 6, a massive lock-up caused Fisher’s left-front tyre to explode in dramatic fashion.

Thankfully just a corner from the pits, he limped in without damage and rejoined in third. But Van Hallen and Murphy were flying up front, and Fisher had work to do.

The Comeback Charge

With the bit between his teeth, Fisher unleashed a string of blistering laps, dispatching Murphy with a bold move down the inside of Turn 1. Then came the prize: Van Hallen.

On Lap 12, Fisher pulled off his signature move—the "Wings of a Dove" cutback. Faking a move to the outside into Turn 1, he tucked in tight and swept past on the exit, drawing cheers from fans around the world.

But the move had a cost.

Fisher had used all of his battery power in the overtake and had nothing left to defend. Van Hallen came roaring back on the back straight and reclaimed the lead, while Murphy lurked just behind.

A Final Lap for the Ages

With one lap remaining, the lead was still anyone’s. Fisher hounded Van Hallen, throwing dummy moves into Turns 9 and 11, trying to force an error. It never came.

Then, out of the Spoon Curve, Fisher got the launch of dreams. He closed into 130R, threw it down the inside, and forced Van Hallen into a late brake. Fisher was already preparing the cutback—and nailed it, executing a double slingshot through the final chicane to snatch victory by mere tenths.

Mayhem Behind the Front

While the world watched the titanic duel for the win, a fierce scrap raged behind. Bono Huis and Llewellyn Rees were locked in a five-lap brawl for fourth. It all ended on the final lap when both drivers made contact and lost their front wings—limping across the line and out of the top five.

Dupont finished a strong sixth after his early fireworks, while Jeremy Hawkings continued his stellar form with more points for Haas. In fact, Hawkings has now scored more points in the first four rounds of 2025 than Haas managed in the entirety of the 2024 season—a huge statement from the American squad.

A Race to Forget for Gunthensinter

After his stunning win in Brazil, Sebastian Gunthensinter never got going in Japan. Finishing outside the points, the Mercedes driver failed to make an impact, sparking concerns about consistency as the title fight tightens.

Title Battle Wide Open

Fisher’s win shakes up the championship, with Murphy, Huis, and Van Hallen all in the mix. The season is heating up—and with drama on and off the track, F1 Esports Leauge  Tier 1 is delivering in every sense.