Max Verstappen says he was surprised after he claimed pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix during Saturday’s qualifying session at Suzuka, Afrosport reports.
The Red Bull driver put in a new circuit lap record of one minute, 26.983 seconds to take pole ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who were the favourites for pole having been fastest during the three practice sessions.
Verstappen however took pole the fourth consecutive time at Suzuka and the 41st time in his F1 career.
“I am [surprised],” the Dutch man said: “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.”
Taking the lap record at Suzuka
What a lap it was from Max Verstappen in Q3!#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/COOPSc52vO
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2025
Reacting to his own qualifying position, current championship leader Norris said: “I’m happy. Congrats to Max, he did a good job so hats off,” the McLaren driver said: “You’ve got to credit something when it’s a lap that good that he must have done. I’m happy because I feel like I got everything out of the car today.
“It’s tiny. Was there probably that much in it? Yes, but Max did an amazing lap so we’re happy. For both of us to be up there fighting for pole is good but just not enough.”
Verstappen will be aiming to win the Japanese Grand Prix for the fourth time having won it in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A fourth win will tie him with former Red Bull driver and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
