Max Verstappen takes surprise pole position at Japan GP

Red Bull star edges out McLaren duo in thrilling qualifying session at Suzuka.

Max Verstappen speaks with journalists after securing pole position during qualifying for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan, on April 5, 2025. Photo by David Mareuil/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a thrilling and unexpected twist, Max Verstappen takes surprise pole position at the 2025 Japan Grand Prix after a sensational qualifying lap at the legendary Suzuka Circuit on Saturday. The Red Bull Racing star delivered a standout performance in Q3, securing his first pole since the Austrian Grand Prix in June 2024. The result came as a shock to many, especially as McLaren had dominated every session leading up to the final run.

The qualifying showdown at Suzuka was a rollercoaster of drama, pace, and strategy. From the start of the weekend, McLaren appeared to be in total control. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri topped all three free practice sessions and continued their dominance in Q1 and Q2. With consistent lap times and impressive speed, both drivers looked poised to lock out the front row in qualifying.

However, Verstappen had other plans. In a dramatic final push during Q3, the reigning world champion dug deep and unleashed a lap time of 1 minute 26.983 seconds. That blistering lap was just enough to edge out Norris, who fell short by a narrow margin and had to settle for second place.

Verstappen stuns McLaren with Q3 masterclass

Max Verstappen’s pole lap came as a genuine surprise, even to his own team. The Red Bull driver had been playing catch-up throughout the weekend, trailing both McLarens during practice and the first two qualifying rounds. But with the track temperature dropping and grip improving late in Q3, Verstappen seized the moment.

“It was all about getting everything perfect in that last lap,” Verstappen said in a post-qualifying interview. “We knew McLaren was strong, but I just focused on extracting the maximum. And it worked. The car came alive.”

Verstappen’s performance not only denied McLaren a much-anticipated pole but also served notice that Red Bull remains a force to be reckoned with, even when not in top form throughout a race weekend.

McLaren duo still confident heading into race day

Despite missing out on pole, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will start from second and third respectively. Norris, whose best time was just 0.044 seconds slower than Verstappen’s, remained upbeat about his chances.

“We’ve been really consistent all weekend, so I’m not too disappointed,” Norris said. “Max just had a great lap. We’re still in a strong position for tomorrow.”

Oscar Piastri was also close behind with a time of 1:27.027. The young Australian continues to show maturity and racecraft well beyond his years, and he’ll be aiming for a strong start on Sunday.

Competitive grid behind front-runners

The rest of the top 10 also promises intense competition. Charles Leclerc put in a solid lap to secure fourth for Ferrari, clocking 1:27.299. Mercedes drivers George Russell and teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli locked out the third row in fifth and sixth respectively, proving that the Silver Arrows are inching back toward competitiveness.

Positions seven through ten featured a mix of rising talents and veterans: Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), Lewis Hamilton (now with Ferrari), Alexander Albon (Williams), and Oliver Bearman (Haas). Each of these drivers will have a chance to fight through the pack, depending on race pace and tire strategy.

Disappointment for Yuki Tsunoda in front of home fans

Japan fans had high hopes for Yuki Tsunoda, who was recently promoted to Red Bull’s main team. However, Tsunoda struggled to find rhythm during qualifying and could only manage 15th place. Despite the result, the support from local fans remained loud and passionate as Tsunoda looks to make up ground during the race.

“It’s not the result I wanted, especially here,” Tsunoda said. “But we’ll keep pushing tomorrow. Anything can happen at Suzuka.”

Verstappen’s pole boosts Red Bull morale

The pole position for Max Verstappen couldn’t have come at a better time for Red Bull Racing. After several races without starting at the front, Verstappen’s commanding final lap at Suzuka restored confidence in the team’s development and weekend execution. For Verstappen himself, this is more than just a statistical win—it’s a statement that he’s still the one to beat.

“Getting this pole after so many weekends without one feels great,” Verstappen added. “It’s motivation for everyone in the garage. Now we need to turn it into a win.”

What to expect in Sunday’s main race

Sunday’s main event at Suzuka promises to be a classic. With Verstappen leading two hungry McLarens, and with Ferrari and Mercedes lurking right behind, race day could deliver fireworks. Tire strategy will play a huge role, as Suzuka is known for its high tire degradation and challenging curves.

Weather could also be a factor. Forecasts suggest possible light rain toward the end of the race, which could shake up the order and create opportunities for teams willing to gamble on tire changes.

Meanwhile, the midfield battle—featuring Racing Bulls, Williams, Haas, and Aston Martin—will likely be fierce, with valuable championship points on the line.

Verstappen’s comeback sets stage for epic Japan GP

Max Verstappen takes surprise pole position at the 2025 Japan Grand Prix, reminding the world why he’s a three-time world champion. With McLaren’s charge falling just short, the Suzuka showdown is set up for a dramatic and potentially chaotic Sunday race.

For fans, this qualifying session was a reminder of what makes Formula 1 so unpredictable and exciting. And for Verstappen, this pole might just be the beginning of another dominant chapter.

Stay tuned as the lights go out at Suzuka. With Verstappen back on top, and a pack of determined rivals behind him, the 2025 Japan Grand Prix could be one for the history books.