Japanese GP qualification: Max Verstappen Stuns Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri to take Suzuka Pole | F1 News

Japanese GP qualification: Max Verstappen Stuns Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri to take Suzuka Pole | F1 News

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Max Verstappen produced a major revolt over snapping pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

It had been found over the weekend that claiming pole would be a formality of McLaren if drivers have shared a rod and won each at the opening of two rounds in the 2025 season, but Red Bulls Verstappen came from nowhere to trump them.

Piastri was obviously the fastest on the first races in the 3rd quarter before Norris appeared to have snapped rod with his second attempt, but Verstappen delivered a time of 1: 26,983 to take a fourth consecutive Suzuka pole when the top three were left separated by less than half a second.

The remarkable nature of Verstappen’s efforts was highlighted by the four-time world champion’s new teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who managed only 15 on his Red Bull debut, ending somewhere behind Liam Lawson, the driver he was changed from Junior Squad Racing Bulls.

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Here’s your Paddock Pass for the Japanese Grand Prix, which joins Naomi Schiff when she shares a sneak peek in Suzuka!

Charles Leclerc took fourth for Ferrari, but Lewis Hamilton was three tenths of his teammate in a disappointing eighth as the seven-time world champion’s turbulent start in life with the Italian team continued.

Mercedes’ George Russell had proven to be the most likely driver to challenge McLarens to qualify, but had to settle for fifth after making a mistake on his last flying lap. His Rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli took an encouraging sixth.

Racing Bulls-Rokie Isack Hadjar overcome apparent seat belt problems, which he expressed extremely distressed over the radio in the early stages of the session to take seventh.

Alex Albon was ninth for Williams, while British Rookie Oliver Bearsman finished the top 10 after producing a very impressive performance to reach Q3.

More to follow …

Japanese GP -Qualifying Timesheet

Driver Team Time
1) Max Verstappen Red Bull 1: 26,983
2) Lando Norris McLaren +0.012
3) Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.044
4) Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.316
5) George Russell Mercedes +0.335
6) Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.572
7) Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls +0.586
8) Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.627
9) Alex Albon Williams +0.632
10) Oliver Bearsman Haas +0.884
Turned out in 2nd quarter
11) Pierre Gasly Alpine 1: 27,822
12) Carlos Sainz Williams 1: 27,836
13) Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1: 27,897
14) Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 1: 27,906
15) Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull 1: 28,000
Knocked out in q1
162) Nico Hulkenberg Sauber 1: 28,570
17) Gabriel Breedoleto Sauber 1: 28,622
18) Esteban Ocon Haas 1: 28,696
19) Jack Doohan Alpine 1: 28,877
20) Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1: 29,271

Sky Sports F1’s Live Japanese GP Plan

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Here’s your Paddock Pass for the Japanese Grand Prix, which joins Naomi Schiff when she shares a sneak peek in Suzuka!

Sunday 6 April

  • 4.30: Japanese GP building: Grand Prix Sunday*
  • 06:00: The Japanese Grand Prix*
  • 08:00: Japanese GP -Reafreaf: Routed Flag*
  • 9:00 pm: Teds Notebook*

*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula is on the iconic Suzuka circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix over the weekend, Live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports With Now – No Contract, Cancel anytime

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