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| Max Verstappen celebrates after qualifying on Pole. Photo Credit: Bryn Lennon - Formula 1 / Formula 1 via Getty Images |
Max Verstappen set a new lap record at Suzuka while clinching pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix. Currently, he's only 8 points behind Lando Norris in the Drivers' standings, which means he'll be looking to show his dominance as reigning world champion.
Top Results
Top 5
P2 - L. Norris - +0.012 sec
P3 - O. Piastri - +0.044 sec
P4 - C. Leclerc - +0.316 sec
P5 - G. Russell - +0.335 sec
Verstappen and Oscar Piastri went back and forth fighting for the pole position, until Norris set a new fastest lap of 1:26.995 with only 8 seconds left on the clock. Luckily for Red Bull, Verstappen was already on a flying lap and pushing as hard as he could. This attempt allowed him to take his fourth consecutive pole at the Japanese Grand Prix.
But, the Red Bull/VCARB driver dilemma is hitting in full force for this race, with both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson advancing to Q2, showing us that both drivers are comfortable with their new vehicles and teams. However, both of them would end up getting knocked out in the second round, with Tsunoda starting P15 in his first race with Red Bull and Lawson making his best start of the season at P14 for the Racing Bulls.
Q2 Red Flag
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| The dry infield grass was easily ignited by the sparks being thrown from underneath the cars. Photo Credit: Toshifumi Kitamura / AFP via Getty Images |
A small fire broke out in the infield grass with 8:26 remaining in Q2, resulting in a red flag that forced all drivers to the pits. Time doesn't start back up until the green flag is waved, so there was plenty of time for everyone to get another lap in to try and make the Q3 cut.
Starting Grid for 2025 Japanese GP
P2 - L. Norris - +0.995
P3 - O. Piastri - +0.044
P4 - C. Leclerc - +0.316
P5 - G. Russell - +0.335
P6 - K. Antonelli - +0.572
P7 - I. Hadjar - +0.586
P8 - L. Hamilton - +0.627
P10 - O. Bearman - +0.884
P11 - P. Gasly - 1:27.822
P12 - C. Sainz - 1:27.836
P13 - F. Alonso - 1:27.897
P14 - L. Lawson - 1:27.906
P15 - Y. Tsunoda - 1:28.000
P16 - N. Hülkenberg - 1:28.570
P17 - G. Bortoleto - 1:28.622
P18 - E. Ocon - 1:28.696
P19 - J. Doohan - 1:29.877
P20 - L. Stroll - 1:29.271
My Thoughts
Tsunoda will have a lot of ground to cover for Red Bull's hopes to be restored for the season, but with the laps he put in during the Free Practice sessions things are looking decent for him this race.
VCARB also look like they are in a good position, with Hadjar starting up in P7 and Lawson starting in P14, which is a lot better than what they did in the first two rounds. I really hope these two have an impressive drive today, and manage to score some decent points.
Looking Ahead
After securing his fourth consecutive pole at the Suzuka circuit, Max Verstappen will have to run at a dominant pace to fight off both of the McLaren's lining up behind him for tonight's race.