NEW DELHI: Japanese GP qualifying saw a dramatic mix of triumph and heartbreak. Max Verstappen stunned the grid with a last-minute lap to claim pole position for Red Bull Racing. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunodaโs much-awaited home debut for the senior Red Bull team ended in bitter disappointment with a P15 finish.
Drama, Grass Fires, and Red Flags
Before qualifying even began, grass fires had already played their part. Two more fires broke out during the final practice, adding to the five seen earlier in the weekend. Marshals used traffic cones as makeshift water buckets to prevent further flare-ups. Despite efforts, a fire during Q2 at the inside of 130R led to a red flag with 8 minutes and 26 seconds remaining.
As the clock stopped, cars headed back to the garage. The delay disrupted momentum, especially for drivers like Tsunoda who were on the cusp of elimination.
Tight Fight at the Top
The early part of qualifying saw McLaren dominate. Oscar Piastri led Q1 with a 1:27.687, followed closely by George Russell and Lando Norris. Max Verstappen was P6, looking uncomfortable. โItโs like the tyres are not gripping at the front,โ he complained over the radio.
By Q2, Norris topped again with a 1:27.146. Verstappen was third fastest, 0.356s behind. The session ended with Tsunoda, Sainz, Gasly, Alonso, and Lawson all being eliminated.
Tsunodaโs performance was especially painful. On his Red Bull debut in front of a home crowd at Suzuka, he was outqualified by Isack Hadjar, the rookie who replaced him at Racing Bulls. โI really wanted to do something special here,โ Tsunoda said, visibly emotional. โI pushed hard, but we just couldnโt find the grip.โ
Hamilton, Sainz Under Investigation
Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz were under investigation post-Q2 for an incident at Turn 1. Hamilton was starting a flying lap when he encountered Sainz moving slowly through the high-speed corner, forcing him to take evasive action.
Verstappen Strikes Late
Listen to that roar!
Max Verstappen is on POLE#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/s8LtjOWFms
โ Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2025
In Q3, Oscar Piastri lit up the timing screens first. He set a new Suzuka lap record of 1:27.052, breaking Sebastian Vettelโs 2019 benchmark. Just ahead of his 24th birthday, Piastri was poised for a maiden pole.
Then came Norris, who beat Piastriโs time by just 0.032s.
But out of nowhere, Verstappen delivered. With a final lap of 1:26.983, he shattered the record and stole pole position.
โThat was a tough one,โ Verstappen said. โThe car wasnโt perfect, but we made it work when it mattered. Great to take this pole for Red Bull and Honda in Japan.โ
Starting Grid โ Japanese GP
One to watch! ๐
Hereโs your starting grid for Sunday at Suzuka ๐#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/7eesvCSx8Y
โ Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2025
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) โ 1:26.983
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) โ 1:26.995
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) โ 1:27.027
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) โ 1:27.299
5. George Russell (Mercedes) โ 1:27.318
6. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) โ 1:27.555
7. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) โ 1:27.569
8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) โ 1:27.610
9. Alexander Albon (Williams) โ 1:27.615
10. Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team) โ 1:27.867
11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) โ 1:27.822 (eliminated in Q2)
12. Carlos Sainz (Williams) โ 1:27.836 (eliminated in Q2)
13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) โ 1:27.897 (eliminated in Q2)
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) โ 1:27.906 (eliminated in Q2)
15. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing) โ 1:28.000 (eliminated in Q2)
16. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) โ 1:28.570 (eliminated in Q1)
17. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) โ 1:28.622 (eliminated in Q1)
18. Esteban Ocon (Haas F1 Team) โ 1:28.696 (eliminated in Q1)
19. Jack Doohan (Alpine) โ 1:28.877 (eliminated in Q1)
20. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) โ 1:29.271 (eliminated in Q1)
