Max Verstappen took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix, setting a new track record of 1m 26.983.
The incumbent world champion startled the McLarens at the Suzuka Circuit, finishing 0.012s faster than Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri was just 0.044s behind Verstappen.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth on the grid, with George Russell completing the top five. Lewis Hamilton finished eighth, a dismal result.
It was a disastrous first qualifying session for Red Bull for Yuki Tsunoda, who will start his home race from P15 – one position behind Liam Lawson.
Check out the full results below!
Result Qualification – Japanese
| # | Driver | Team | Time | Tyre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
  |
Red Bull | 1:26.983 |  |
| 2 |
  |
McLaren | 1:26.995 | |
| 3 |
  |
McLaren | 1:27.027 | |
| 4 |
  |
Ferrari | 1:27.299 | |
| 5 |
 |
Mercedes | 1:27.318 | |
| 6 |
  |
Mercedes | 1:27.555 | |
| 7 |
  |
Racing Bulls | 1:27.569 | |
| 8 |
 |
Ferrari | 1:27.610 | |
| 9 |
  |
Williams | 1:27.615 | |
| 10 |
 |
Haas | 1:27.867 | |
| 11 |
 |
Alpine | 1:27.822 | |
| 12 |
  |
Williams | 1:27.836 | |
| 13 |
 |
Aston Martin | 1:27.897 | |
| 14 |
  |
Racing Bulls | 1:27.906 | |
| 15 |
  |
Red Bull | 1:28.000 | |
| 16 |
  |
Stake | 1:28.570 | |
| 17 |
  |
Stake | 1:28.622 | |
| 18 |
 |
Haas | 1:28.696 | |
| 19 |
 |
Alpine | 1:28.877 | |
| 20 |
  |
Aston Martin | 1:29.271 | |
