HIGHLIGHTS: Relive Verstappen's surprise pole in Japanese GP Qualifying
Max Verstappen took a surprise pole position for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix, besting McLaren's Lando Norris with a last-gasp effort in Qualifying.
Verstappen will start from the front of the grid for the first time since Austria last year after gambling on a low downforce set up. His 1.26.983s was 0.012s clear of Norris who had topped Q2, with Oscar Piastri third.
Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli completed the top six while Isack Hadjar battled issues inside his Racing Bulls entry to take seventh.
On his Red Bull Qualifying debut, Yuki Tsunoda could manage only 15th after an error, falling one place short of the driver he replaced, Liam Lawson.
Watch the highlights from Qualifying by hitting go on the video player above.

Next Up
Related Articles
Williams FW48 hits the track for first time at Silverstone
Williams show off their new livery for 2026 F1 season
ExclusiveHow Norris proved to himself he has ‘what it takes’
Why Hadjar’s mum knew about Red Bull seat before he did
Check out every angle of Williams’ 2026 livery
Norris admits he’s ‘still trying to accept’ champion status