Overview

• Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix with a record-breaking lap of 1:26.983, narrowly beating Lando Norris by 0.012 seconds.
• McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who dominated practice sessions, qualified second and third, respectively, continuing their strong start to the season.
• Yuki Tsunoda, making his Red Bull debut at his home race, qualified 15th, finishing just behind his predecessor Liam Lawson, now with Racing Bulls.
• The weekend's practice sessions were heavily disrupted by four red flags, including two caused by grass fires, prompting the FIA to implement fire prevention measures.
• Rain is forecast for race day, adding strategic uncertainty as teams prepare for potentially challenging conditions on Sunday.