Max Verstappen clinched pole position for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix with a record-breaking lap at Suzuka, crediting “little improvements” throughout the weekend for his surprise performance.
A return to the front for Verstappen
Max Verstappen returned to the top of the grid in stunning fashion, clinching pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix with a record-breaking lap of 1:26.983.
It marks the four-time World Champion’s first pole of the 2025 season and his first since Austria 2024, a milestone made even more impressive by the tough weekend he endured leading up to qualifying.
Despite struggling throughout the Practice sessions leading up to qualifying, Verstappen and Red Bull were able to make gradual improvements session by session. These improvements shocked fans, and even themselves as they were able to secure pole position ahead of the McLaren pair.
Speaking after qualifying, Verstappen was full of praise for the set up changes.
“We tried the best we could to get the best possible balance with the car, Every session, we just kept on making little improvements. I think that’s where we made the difference.”
The now iconic flying lap from the Dutch Driver did not have a single purple sector, with all the fastest flying sector times held by the McLaren Pair. However, Verstappen labelled his lap as “just flat out” and in turn was satisfied with the outcome of his risk.
“Around here, being on the limit or maybe even a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding.”
Max Verstappen’s connection to Suzuka
Like many Formula 1 Drivers, Suzuka is one of Max’s favourite tracks on the calendar. For Verstappen, it holds an even more special place for him, as he claimed his second World Drivers Championship at this track in 2022.
The Red Bull driver, was full of admiration for the Japanese track, claiming it to be “insane” to drive along this historic track. Whilst also mentioning the upgraded surface allowing himself to push even harder through the challenging corners.
“Sector 1 especially is unbelievable. Now with the new tarmac, it just gives you even more grip around there. So to commit is even harder.”
All eyes on McLaren and race tomorrow
Despite the amazing achievement of Verstappen during qualifying, he and the team know the race will be a different battle. Both McLaren drivers have shown amazing pace over the two races before Japan, winning in Australia and China. With Norris and Piastri lined up behind him, Verstappen remains focused on the challenge ahead, despite the tricky conditions forecasted .
“This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here,” Verstappen said. “But tomorrow is another day. The McLarens are strong and there might be some rain around, but we’ll do our very best.”
Qualifying has set the stage for a thrilling battle during tomorrow’s Grand Prix. Verstappen will be eager to claim his first win of 2025, but with the changeable conditions, and the McLaren pair behind it will be a challenge. A challenge that the four-time World Champion will warmly welcome.
