When the dust settled on Saturday, Verstappen had done just that. The Red Bull driver charged to pole position during qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to take his first pole position of the 2025 F1 season.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start from pole position in the Japanese Grand Prix after turning in the top time in qualifying on Saturday in his final attempt. Lando Norris of McLaren will start alongside on Sunday with teammate Oscar Piastri on the second row with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.

A “magical” final lap from Max Verstappen propelled the Red Bull driver to pole position for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, knocking the much-fancied McLarens off top spot, much to everyone’s surprise.