Overview

• Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix with a record-breaking 1:26.983 lap at Suzuka, continuing his unbeaten streak at the circuit since 2019.
• McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualified second and third, with Norris leading the drivers' championship by eight points ahead of Verstappen.
• Yuki Tsunoda made his Red Bull debut at his home race but will start 14th after being outqualified by Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced.
• Ferrari's Charles Leclerc starts fourth, while teammate Lewis Hamilton begins eighth after Carlos Sainz received a grid penalty for blocking him during qualifying.
• Rain remains a potential factor that could disrupt race strategies, with forecasts predicting possible wet conditions mid-race.