Max Verstappen Secures Pole with Record-Breaking Lap at Suzuka
The Red Bull driver outpaced McLaren's Norris and Piastri, while Yuki Tsunoda's home debut for Red Bull ended in disappointment.
- Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2025 season with a record-breaking lap of 1:26.983 at the Japanese Grand Prix, narrowly beating McLaren's Lando Norris by 0.012 seconds.
- McLaren drivers Norris and Oscar Piastri, who dominated practice sessions, will start second and third, continuing their strong form this season.
- Yuki Tsunoda struggled in his Red Bull debut at his home race, qualifying 15th, one position behind his predecessor Liam Lawson in the Racing Bulls car.
- Grass fires caused by sparks disrupted multiple sessions, including qualifying, though forecasted rain on race day is expected to mitigate the issue.
- The unpredictable weather and Verstappen's resurgence set the stage for a potentially thrilling race, with McLaren still positioned as the team to beat.
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