Verstappen Claims Stunning Pole in Japan
SHOP SHABA F1 APPAREL
Max Verstappen delivered a blistering lap to seize his first pole of the 2025 season at the Japanese Grand Prix, narrowly edging out both McLarens in an intense qualifying showdown at Suzuka.
The Red Bull driver clocked a 1m26.983s in Q3, just 0.012s quicker than Lando Norris, while Oscar Piastri – who briefly held provisional pole – ended up 0.044s off in third.
Charles Leclerc led the Ferrari charge in fourth ahead of Mercedes pair George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli. Isack Hadjar delivered an impressive seventh for Racing Bulls, despite cockpit discomfort throughout the session.
Lewis Hamilton could only manage eighth, three-tenths slower than his teammate Leclerc. Alex Albon and rookie Oliver Bearman rounded out the top 10.
Japanese hopeful Yuki Tsunoda struggled under home pressure, qualifying 15th behind Liam Lawson, who continues to make his mark following a Red Bull demotion.
Further back, a crashing Friday limited Jack Doohan to 19th, while Lance Stroll endured a nightmare session and finished last after a gravel trip through the Esses.
Qualifying Times – Suzuka Circuit
| Pos | Driver | Nat. | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | NED | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 1m27.943s | 1m27.502s | 1m26.983s |
| 2 | Lando Norris | GBR | McLaren F1 Team | 1m27.845s | 1m27.146s | 1m26.995s |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | AUS | McLaren F1 Team | 1m27.687s | 1m27.507s | 1m27.052s |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | MON | Scuderia Ferrari HP | 1m27.920s | 1m27.555s | 1m27.299s |
| 5 | George Russell | GBR | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | 1m27.843s | 1m27.400s | 1m27.318s |
| 6 | Kimi Antonelli | ITA | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | 1m27.968s | 1m27.639s | 1m27.555s |
| 7 | Isack Hadjar | FRA | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls | 1m28.278s | 1m27.775s | 1m27.569s |
| 8 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | Scuderia Ferrari HP | 1m27.942s | 1m27.610s | 1m27.610s |
| 9 | Alex Albon | THA | Atlassian Williams Racing | 1m28.218s | 1m27.783s | 1m27.615s |
| 10 | Oliver Bearman | GBR | MoneyGram Haas F1 Team | 1m28.228s | 1m27.711s | 1m27.867s |
| 11 | Pierre Gasly | FRA | BWT Alpine F1 Team | 1m28.186s | 1m27.822s | — |
| 12 | Carlos Sainz | ESP | Atlassian Williams Racing | 1m28.209s | 1m27.836s | — |
| 13 | Fernando Alonso | ESP | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | 1m28.337s | 1m27.897s | — |
| 14 | Liam Lawson | NZL | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls | 1m28.554s | 1m27.906s | — |
| 15 | Yuki Tsunoda | JPN | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 1m27.967s | 1m28.000s | — |
| 16 | Nico Hulkenberg | GER | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | 1m28.570s | — | — |
| 17 | Gabriel Bortoleto | BRA | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | 1m28.622s | — | — |
| 18 | Esteban Ocon | FRA | MoneyGram Haas F1 Team | 1m28.696s | — | — |
| 19 | Jack Doohan | AUS | BWT Alpine F1 Team | 1m28.877s | — | — |
| 20 | Lance Stroll | CAN | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | 1m29.271s | — | — |
