Max Verstappen Secures Pole Position at Japanese Grand Prix
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen delivered an exceptional performance at Suzuka, grabbing pole position for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix with a blistering lap time of 1:26.983.
Despite Red Bull’s RB21 not being the dominant car throughout practice sessions, Verstappen edged out McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by just 0.012s and 0.044s respectively.
“It was very unexpected,” Verstappen admitted. “The car just came alive in the final sector. The team nailed the setup.”
Team principal Christian Horner praised the effort, calling it “one of Max’s best laps ever.” The pole position also held emotional weight, marking Honda’s final home race as Red Bull’s engine supplier.
Verstappen later converted his pole into a dominant win—his fourth consecutive victory at Suzuka and 64th career win—bringing him within one point of championship leader Norris.
With the title race heating up, Verstappen’s win in Japan reasserts his place as a leading contender for the 2025 F1 World Championship.
🏁 Fast Facts
- Pole Time: 1:26.983
- Top 3 Qualifiers: Verstappen, Norris, Piastri
- Race Result: Verstappen wins (4th straight at Suzuka)
- Championship Standing: 1 point behind Norris
