Incredible pole position by Max Verstappen, who, against all odds, finished at the top of the qualifying session.
A lap we will remember forever. Max Verstappen secured the pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix with an incredible lap, worthy of a four-time world champion. The fastest lap and track record were set by the four-time world champion, who, against all predictions, managed to put himself ahead of everyone, beating Norris by 12 thousandths and the second McLaren of Piastri by 44 thousandths.
Max’s roar and clenched fist at the end of the lap highlighted the magnitude of the achievement, and the world champion himself commented on his pole: “Am I surprised? We tried everything we could to achieve the best possible balance; it wasn’t easy during qualifying. In every session, we kept making small improvements that made the difference, then on the last lap, I pushed to the max. Here, going to the limit, or even beyond in some points, is very rewarding.”
Tomorrow’s race will be another story, but rain could throw a wrench in the teams’ plans. Verstappen’s thoughts on this: “Taking pole here is a big moment, but we’ll see tomorrow. It could rain, and we’ll do our best. Especially the first sector, it’s crazy, incredible. The new asphalt gives you even more grip. So, it’s even harder to tackle with full confidence.”
