Max Verstappen restores normal service for Red Bull with Japanese F1 GP pole

Dutch driver qualifies first for the ninth time this season

Max Verstappen claimed pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix for Red Bull with a mighty lap of Suzuka. With two superb runs on the figure-of-eight circuit, Verstappen beat the McLaren of Oscar Piastri into second place, an equally impressive showing for the rookie who takes his first front row GP start on Sunday. Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris was third. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was in fourth, with Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez in fifth. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were in seventh and eighth for Mercedes.