F1 Qualifying: Verstappen Takes Pole in Dramatic Finish at Japanese Grand Prix
Max Verstappen pulled off a dramatic comeback in F1 qualifying for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, stealing pole position from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with a record-breaking lap at Suzuka.
McLaren looked poised to lock out the front row after strong pace in Q1 and Q2. But Verstappen delivered a near-perfect final lap of 1:26.983, edging out Norris by just 0.012 seconds and setting a new benchmark at the iconic circuit. It was a bold reminder that Red Bull is never out of contention — especially when Verstappen is behind the wheel.
Top 10 Qualifiers – Japanese Grand Prix 2025
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 1:26.983
- Lando Norris – McLaren – +0.012
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren – +0.044
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – +0.316
- George Russell – Mercedes – +0.335
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
- Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
- Alex Albon – Williams
- Ollie Bearman – Haas
Midfield Shakeups and Rookie Highlights
Kimi Antonelli posted his best qualifying result yet with sixth, ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who struggled to find grip. Isack Hadjar, despite ongoing seat issues, delivered a gritty drive to secure seventh.
The second Red Bull, driven by Yuki Tsunoda, failed to reach Q3 and qualified 15th behind Liam Lawson, who placed 14th in his Racing Bulls return.
A fire incident during Q2 briefly paused action for seven minutes, adding to the weekend’s unpredictable nature.
Advertisement
What’s Next for Race Day
Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix starts at 2:00 PM local time. With rain on the forecast and Verstappen starting ahead of a hungry McLaren pair, the battle for victory is wide open.
More…
- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-clinches-stunning-pole-position-ahead-of-norris-and-piastri-in.2r7tZSVLE1Uz9X8bVk4vQB
- https://www.gpfans.com/us/f1-news/1045926/f1-results-today-2025-japanese-grand-prix-qualifying-order-times-yuki-tsunoda-max-verstappen
- https://www.vavel.com/en-us/more-sports/2025/04/05/1219234-formula-1-live-result-updates-stream-info-and-how-to-watch-japanese-gp-qualifying.html#google_vignette
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/formula-1-2025-sprint-races-list-of-venues-and-format-changes
Advertisement
