F1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying results: Max Verstappen clinches blistering record Pole position in Suzuka

After many races, Max Verstappen won his first and 41st Formula 1 pole position in the 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix. The Dutchman put on a spectacular lap time with the Honda-powered Red Bull car in their home country. Nobody expected Verstappen to win pole with such a car, and the Dutchman once again proved why he is the best.

If Verstappen wins the Japanese GP tomorrow, it will be his fourth Suzuka win in a row, and he will equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of four wins. The old circuit is driver-demanding, and the best driver has now won the pole. Tomorrow will be important for both McLaren and Red Bull as strategy plays a key role in winning the race. 

Check the 2025 F1 Japanese GP Qualifying results

Also Read: 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Top 5 Predictions: Yuki Tsunoda & Lewis Hamilton to make a difference

Qualifying session story

Q1: Qualifying 1 started with the two McLarens leading the table with 1 and 2 before Mercedes driver George Russell split them in half. Verstappen complained of less grip but managed to finish fourth. VCARB Isack Hadjar struggled with the seat belts in his car, which was very dangerous and didn’t allow him to push harder. Somehow, he managed to keep himself within the top 15. His teammate Liam Lawson also managed to move into the Q2 session.

Drivers eliminated in Q1 of the Japanese GP

Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll are the drivers eliminated in the Q1 session of the 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix. 

Q2: The second session started well, but again, the grass fire stopped the qualifying, and every driver was asked to return to their garages. But it gave them more time to adjust their car setup and take it for another spin. The biggest shock was Yuki Tsunoda's elimination in Q2, and Liam Lawson finished ahead of him in P14.

Drivers eliminated in Q2 of the Japanese GP

Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are the drivers eliminated in the Q2 session of the 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix.

Q3: The final session was a stunner as most of the session was led by Lando Norris, but then came Max Verstappen with a blitz lap, especially on the final sector. After the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position on his favourite race track. Tomorrow will be more challenging as the weather forecast predicts there is a possibility of rain. If Max wins the race, it will be an outstanding effort from the four-time world champion.

Also Read: Ranking the Top 5 F1 drivers with most wins at the Japanese GP: Who’s the King of Suzuka?