Max Verstappen delivered a stunning lap at Suzuka, grabbing pole position and smashing the track record in unexpected, dominant Red Bull style.
Max Verstappen pulled off a stunning pole position at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, delivering a sensational lap that not only put him at the front of the grid but also set a new track record. Even the Red Bull driver himself admitted he didn’t see it coming.
“We were just trying to get the best possible balance, but it wasn’t easy,” Verstappen said. “We improved step by step throughout the sessions, and that really made the difference. That final lap was all-out—and putting together a lap like that here, it just feels amazing.”
Driving an F1 car around Suzuka is always something special, he added. “Especially in Sector 1—it’s insane. And with the new asphalt, there’s even more grip, which actually makes it more of a challenge.”
While Verstappen celebrates this unexpected high, he’s already looking ahead to a race that could be much tougher, especially with the two McLarens close behind and unpredictable weather on the radar. “Being back on pole here is a big moment for us, but tomorrow’s what counts—and it might rain, so who knows what will happen.”
Given how the season started, Verstappen admitted this result came as a bit of a shock. “Honestly, if you look at how things began for us this year, this is pretty unexpected. And that’s what makes this pole so special.”
- Discover More>Verstappen Snatches Suzuka Pole in Thrilling Qualifying Duel with Norris
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 updates
Verstappen lands surprise Suzuka pole with hot final lap
Verstappen lands surprise Suzuka pole with hot final lap
- Zak Brown Warns McLaren: One Evolution Could Change It All
- F1’s 2026 Engines: Mercedes’ Bold Fight to Stay on Top
- Mexico’s F1 Deal Set for Extension Despite Perez Absence
- Steiner Slams ‘Mitigating Circumstances’ in Penalty Decisions
- Colapinto Needs Big Cash to Push Doohan Out at Alpine