Max Verstappen Claims Stunning Pole in Suzuka Thriller
Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session during f1 2025 season saw a breathtaking battle for pole position at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. The reigning World Champion Max Verstappen produced a last-gasp stunner to clinch pole position edging out the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a nail-biting finish, clocking a 1m26.983s lap—just 0.012s quicker than Norris.
McLaren’s Early Dominance Shattered by Verstappen’s Final Blow
The session began with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris setting the early pace, dominating Q1 and Q2 respectively. Piastri looked set for his second pole of the season after an impressive banker lap in Q3, only for Norris to sneak ahead in the closing stages. But Verstappen, who had faced tyre grip issues earlier, pulled out a masterclass in the dying moments to take pole with a mighty final run.
F1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Results:
Q3
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:26.983
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:26.995
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:27.027
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:27.299
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:27.318
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:27.555
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 1:27.569
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:27.610
- Alex Albon (Williams) – 1:27.615
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 1:27.867
Q2
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:27.822
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:27.836
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:27.897
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 1:27.906
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 1:28.000
Q1
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) – 1:28.570
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 1:28.622
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:28.696
- Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 1:28.877
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:29.271
*Sainz penalised three grid places for impeding (To be applied)
Rookies Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar impressed once again, claiming P6 and P7 respectively, while Bearman delivered Haas one of their strongest qualifying results of the year in 10th.
Qualifying At Suzuka: As It Happened
Q1 Drama: Rookies Rise, Stroll Struggles
Oscar Piastri led the field in Q1 while chaos unfolded in the back. Lance Stroll ended last after a trip through the gravel, and Alpine’s Jack Doohan continued his tough weekend with a P19 finish. Esteban Ocon also exited in P18, while Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto failed to progress past P16 and P17 respectively.
Q2 Shock: Tsunoda and Lawson Out, Penalty for Sainz
Yuki Tsunoda’s much-anticipated Red Bull qualifying debut ended in disappointment as he was knocked out in Q2, finishing 15th behind Liam Lawson (P14), the very driver he replaced. Pierre Gasly (P11), Carlos Sainz (P12), and Fernando Alonso (P13) also failed to reach Q3.
Post-session, Sainz was handed a three-place grid drop for impeding Hamilton during Q2, adding to Ferrari’s headache ahead of Sunday’s race.
Q3 Thrills: Verstappen Delivers Pole in Jaw-Dropping Finish
The final segment of qualifying exploded into life in its closing moments. Oscar Piastri initially laid down a strong banker lap, only to be eclipsed by his teammate Lando Norris, who looked set for pole. But Max Verstappen had other plans.
Pulling out an electrifying final run, Verstappen surged to the top with a 1m26.983s, sealing his first pole of the season. Charles Leclerc slotted into P4, followed by Mercedes pair George Russell (P5) and rookie Kimi Antonelli (P6)—both delivering solid laps under pressure.
Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar impressed with P7, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton could only manage P8. Alex Albon (P9) and Ollie Bearman (P10) rounded out the top ten in what was one of Haas’ best qualifying performances this season.
What’s Next?
The stage is now set for a high-stakes battle on Sunday as Verstappen lines up against a fiery McLaren front row. With rain looming and Suzuka always promising drama, the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix promises to be a thriller.
Race Time: Sunday, 14:00 local time (05:00 GMT).
