Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen has qualified on pole position while new teammate Yuki Tsunoda starts P15 in tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix.
The four-time World Champion has claimed his first pole position since the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, putting himself in a strong position to battle for a podium in tomorrow's race at Suzuka Circuit.
It is now Verstappen's fourth consecutive pole position in Japan, a track that he enjoys and has had plenty of success.
Verstappen's qualifying lap time of 1:26.983 has broken the all-time fastest lap record at Suzuka, a record that had been broken by McLaren's Oscar Piastri and then Lando Norris in the same qualifying session.
The pole position continues Verstappen's impressive start to the season, considering the difficulties and limitations with the RB21, and puts him in contention to continue a strong run at a track that he has won at for the past three seasons.
When asked if he was surprised to find himself on pole, Verstappen commented: "Yeah I am. We tried the best we could, I think, to get the best possible balance with the car but it wasn't easy, even in qualifying."
"But every session, we just kept on making little improvements. I think that's where we made the difference. Then, the last lap was just flat out."
He added: "Around here, being on the limit or maybe even a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding."
Verstappen was asked about how special the Suzuka Circuit is to him.
He answered: "It's insane. In a Formula One car around here, sector one, especially, is unbelievable with the new tarmac as well. It just gives you even more grip around here, so to commit is even harder."
Verstappen concluded: "This is a proper highlight for us, to be back on pole here, but we will look to tomorrow. There might be some rain around, but we'll do our very best."
With the second Red Bull, driven by Liam Lawson, having failed to get out of Q1 in Australia and China, it was relief for the team to see Yuki Tsunoda make it through comfortably.
Another fire at the side of the track, one of many so far this weekend, caused a red flag during Q2 with just over eight minutes remaining and Verstappen and Tsunoda having completed their first run.
It wasn't to be a dream qualifying session for Tsunoda, who found himself knocked out in Q2, behind Lawson, and will start the Grand Prix in P15.
While not an ideal qualifying place, Tsunoda should be able to challenge cars in front of him and fight to put himself in the points by the end of the race.
As he becomes more comfortable with the car and works with the team's engineers to create a more suitable setup, Tsunoda has shown he should be capable of sticking around in the second Red Bull seat for the foreseeable future.
