The Suzuka Circuit hosted a thrilling qualifying session for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, at the wheel of his Red Bull, delivered an outstanding performance to secure pole position with a lap time of 1:26.983. The Dutchman edged out Lando Norris by just 0.012 seconds and Oscar Piastri by 0.044 seconds, setting the stage for a fiercely contested front row.Qualifying Summary
Verstappen Strikes Back
After a shaky start to the season, Verstappen responded with authority. Red Bull dialed in the perfect setup for the RB21 on one of the most technical circuits on the calendar, allowing the three-time world champion to push every corner to the limit and claim the top spot.
McLaren Keeps the Pressure On
The Woking-based team once again showed its strength with a strong qualifying. Lando Norris narrowly missed out on pole, while Oscar Piastri secured third place, confirming McLaren’s status as serious contenders at every round.
Surprises and Standouts
Isack Hadjar impressed with a seventh-place result for Racing Bulls, beating out Lewis Hamilton, whose Ferrari continues to struggle for one-lap pace. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, making his first qualifying appearance as a full-time Red Bull driver on home soil, could only manage 15th—finishing behind his former teammate Liam Lawson.
Top 10 Qualifying – 2025 Japanese GP
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:26.983
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.012
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.044
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.316
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
The day featured some unusual incidents, including small grass fires sparked by cars running wide, which brought out red flags and disrupted earlier practice sessions. Despite the setbacks, the teams delivered a nail-biting qualifying.
With rain looming for Sunday’s race, fans can expect a strategic showdown packed with action. Verstappen will lead the charge from pole, but with both McLarens breathing down his neck, Suzuka is set to deliver another classic in this electrifying 2025 season.
