F1: Verstappen Takes Pole Position at Japanese GP Qualifying, Outsmarting McLarens
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Synopsis
On April 5 in Suzuka, Max Verstappen achieved an incredible last-lap performance to clinch pole for the 2025 Japanese GP, outpacing McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling finish. The session had its share of surprises and standout performances from various drivers.
Key Takeaways
- Max Verstappen secured pole position with a late lap.
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren finished closely behind.
- Notable performances by Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
- Yuki Tsunoda faced elimination in Q2 at his home GP.
- Carlos Sainz is under investigation for impeding Hamilton.
Suzuka, April 5 (NationPress) Max Verstappen executed a remarkable late lap to secure pole position for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, edging out McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling conclusion at the Suzuka Circuit on Saturday.
Initially facing challenges with grip and tyre performance, the Red Bull star clocked an impressive 1m 26.983s lap, finishing just 0.012s ahead of Norris, while Piastri settled for third place.
McLaren appeared strong at the start, with Piastri leading Q1 and Norris at the top in Q2, seemingly poised to maintain that momentum in Q3. However, Verstappen's final effort snatched pole in the closing moments, highlighting his prowess despite earlier uncertainties.
Charles Leclerc led the Ferrari contingent in fourth, with George Russell securing fifth for Mercedes after a less-than-perfect final attempt. Rookie Kimi Antonelli showcased his talent once more, qualifying sixth in the second Mercedes. Another noteworthy performance came from Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls, who overcame earlier technical troubles to finish P7.
Lewis Hamilton had a mixed outing, placing eighth in the Ferrari, just ahead of Alex Albon's Williams and Ollie Bearman's Haas, who achieved his best qualifying result of the season.
A significant upset in Q2 was the elimination of Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver, making his debut for Red Bull at his home Grand Prix, ended up P15, just behind his predecessor Liam Lawson. Additionally, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, and Fernando Alonso also failed to advance to Q3, with Sainz now facing investigation for allegedly obstructing Hamilton.
Further down the grid, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto did not progress beyond Q1 for Kick Sauber, while Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan, and Lance Stroll had disappointing outings, with Stroll finishing last after a gravel excursion.
