Shock Pole for Verstappen as He Breaks Record in Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Max Verstappen delivered a stunning upset in qualifying for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, snatching pole position in the final moments to deny McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Dutchman, who had been somewhat off the pace earlier in the session, showed his trademark late brilliance to go fastest on a lap of 1:26.983, beating Norris by a mere 0.012 seconds. Piastri, who had looked poised to challenge, rounded out the top three.

A Dramatic Q3

The final part of qualifying was a rollercoaster, with Piastri and Norris exchanging the fastest times early on. The McLaren duo set the tone during the earlier stages, with Piastri taking provisional pole at one point. However, it was Verstappen who would have the final say, clinching his first pole position since the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix with a remarkable lap, which left Norris in second and Piastri in third.

Verstappen reflected on his surprise pole after the session, admitting he didn’t expect to be at the top. "I am [surprised]," said the Red Bull driver. "We tried the best we could, I think, to get the best possible balance with the car, but it wasn’t easy even in Qualifying. Every session we just kept on making little improvements and I think that’s where we made the difference. The last lap was just flat out. Around here, being on the limit or maybe a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding."

The Full Top 10

Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:26.983
Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:26.995
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:27.027
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:27.299
George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:27.318
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:27.452
Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 1:27.528
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:27.581
Alex Albon (Williams) – 1:27.650
Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 1:27.750

The Surprises and Disappointments

The most significant shock of the session came in Q2, where Yuki Tsunoda, making his debut qualifying appearance for Red Bull, failed to make it through to Q3. Tsunoda's exit was part of a broader trend of unexpected results, with the likes of Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz also dropping out earlier than expected.

Tsunoda, who had hoped for a strong home showing, finished in P15, behind teammate Liam Lawson, who qualified in P14. The session also saw a potential investigation into Carlos Sainz for impeding Lewis Hamilton during his flying lap in Q2.

Q1 Highlights: McLaren's Early Dominance

McLaren set the pace in the opening stages, with Oscar Piastri leading the way after an early run on the soft tyres. Verstappen had struggled for grip, finding himself outside the top 10 early on but recovered to comfortably progress to Q2. The battle at the bottom of the field was fierce, with Haas’ Esteban Ocon, Alpine’s Jack Doohan, and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll all failing to make it through.

Q2 Drama: McLaren on Top

In Q2, McLaren once again flexed their muscle, with Norris initially setting the fastest time. However, Verstappen and Russell challenged for the top spots, and the session ultimately saw both Tsunoda and Lawson fail to advance to the final stage. Sainz and Alonso also dropped out, leaving many surprised by the outcome.

Looking Ahead to the Bahrain GP

While Suzuka has delivered its shocks, the focus now shifts to the Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place next week from April 11–13. With Verstappen and Red Bull on top of the standings, the pressure will be on McLaren and Mercedes to keep up the pace as the teams head to one of the season's most iconic venues. Verstappen will look to carry his momentum into Bahrain, where another challenge awaits.

Key Results from Japanese GP Qualifying:

• Q1 Knockouts: Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda
• Q2 Knockouts: Gasly, Sainz, Alonso, Lawson, Tsunoda
• Q3 Pole: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:26.983

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix is set to begin today. All eyes will be on Verstappen as he aims to maintain his commanding lead in the 2025 season.