After two pole positions dominated by McLaren, Max Verstappen showcased undeniable quality on the Suzuka track, setting the fastest lap in the circuit’s history and snatching first place from Lando Norris.
Absolute intensity defined the Qualifying session that determined the starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix (GP). Every lap was a fierce battle for pole position, with the spotlight on the showdown between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, where the reigning four-time world champion proved exactly why he holds that title.
First pole of the season for Verstappen
With an impressive flying lap, Max Verstappen managed to snatch pole position from Norris, clocking in at 1:26.983. Not only was it the fastest lap of Q3, but it also set a new all-time record at Suzuka, beating the McLaren driver by just 0.012 seconds.
Taking the lap record at Suzuka 👏
What a lap it was from Max Verstappen in Q3!#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/COOPSc52vO
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2025
This result marks Red Bull’s first pole of the season, finally overcoming the orange team, whose cars will start from second and third with Norris and Oscar Piastri respectively. Without a doubt, this will be a fierce battle between Red Bull and the two McLarens, as the Austrian team seeks its first victory of the year, while the British team aims to continue its winning streak—with Norris winning in Australia and Piastri triumphing in China.
The rest of the grid
Charles Leclerc joins Piastri on the second row in fourth. The Mercedes duo of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will start fifth and sixth. Isack Hadjar impressed with P7, followed by Lewis Hamilton in eighth, hoping to climb his way up. Alex Albon and Ollie Bearman complete the Top 10.
Continuing with the grid, Pierre Gasly will start 11th, followed by Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda. These last three drivers moved up one spot due to a penalty for Carlos Sainz, who had originally qualified 12th but was demoted to 15th for impeding Hamilton during Q2.
Finally, Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan, and Lance Stroll round out the starting positions for what promises to be an exciting showdown at the Japanese GP.
Cover photo: X (@F1)
