Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass in timing and tenacity to snatch pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix, upstaging McLaren’s charge and leaving even Red Bull stunned at Suzuka.
After trailing the McLarens throughout the weekend, Verstappen found something extra on his final lap, edging out Lando Norris by just 0.012 seconds in a breathtaking finish. The Dutchman’s pole at one of Formula 1’s most revered circuits was not just unexpected but it was vintage Verstappen at his most committed.
The Red Bull garage erupted as Oscar Piastri, fastest on the first Q3 runs, couldn’t respond. Norris, gracious in defeat, admitted, “Max did an amazing lap,” while adding, “We were on the limit of what we had.” For McLaren, the raw pace was there, but Verstappen’s final sector was untouchable.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc slotted into fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton struggled with oversteer and could only manage eighth. Carlos Sainz, penalised for impeding Hamilton, will start 15th. Meanwhile, British rookie Oliver Bearman impressed again, breaking into the top 10 in his Haas.
Yuki Tsunoda, racing on home soil and recently promoted to Red Bull, had a qualifying to forget. A messy lap and tyre prep issues saw him bow out in Q2, visibly frustrated after being out-qualified by Liam Lawson’s Racing Bull.
Suzuka’s drama wasn’t confined to the track. Grass fires have been plaguing the weekend and forced another six-minute halt in qualifying, a fifth blaze flaring near the high-speed 130R. FIA officials may need overnight rain to help avoid further delays.
Verstappen’s pole was especially satisfying after early weekend struggles. “I was fully committed on the final lap. At points, not sure if I was going to keep it on track,” he said. “It makes this one very special.”
With changeable weather on the horizon, Sunday’s race promises to be as unpredictable as qualifying just the way Suzuka likes it.
