2025 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Results
Max Verstappen sets a new lap record at Suzuka while clinching pole position for Round 3. Currently, he's only 8 points behind Lando Norris in Drivers' standings – which means he'll be looking to show his dominance as reigning world champion.
Top Results:
Pole Position winner and top 5 results.
| Position | Driver | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Verstappen | 1:26.983 |
| 2 | L. Norris | +0.012 seconds |
| 3 | O. Piastri | +0.044 seconds |
| 4 | C. Leclerc | +0.316 seconds |
| 5 | G. Russell | +0.335 seconds |
Verstappen and Oscar Piastri went back and forth fighting for the pole position, until Norris set a new fastest lap of 1:26.995 with only 8 seconds left on the clock. Luckily for Red Bull, Verstappen was already on a flying lap and pushing as hard as he could - taking pole for the fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix.
But, the Red Bull/VCARB driver dilemma is hitting in full force for this race, with both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson advancing to Q2, showing us that both drivers are comfortable with their new vehicles and teams. However, both of them would end up getting knocked out in the second round, with Tsunoda starting P15 in his first race with Red Bull and Lawson making his best start of the season at P14 for the Racing Bulls.
Q2 Red Flag:
A small fire broke out in the infield grass with 8:26 remaining in Q2, resulting in a red flag that forced all drivers to the pits. Time doesn't start back up until the green flag is waved, so there was plenty of time for everyone to get another lap in to try and make the Q3 cut.
Starting Grid for 2025 Japanese GP
| Position | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:26.983 |
| 2 | L. Norris | McLaren | +0.012 |
| 3 | O. Piastri | McLaren | +0.044 |
| 4 | C. Leclerc | SF Ferrari | +0.316 |
| 5 | G. Russell | Mercedes-AMG | +0.335 |
| 6 | K. Antonelli | Mercede-AMG | +0.572 |
| 7 | I. Hadjar | VCARB | +0.586 |
| 8 | L. Hamilton | SF Ferrari | +0.627 |
| 9 | A. Albon | Williams | +0.632 |
| 10 | O. Bearman | Haas | +0.884 |
| 11 | P. Gasly | Alpine | Q2 - 1:27.822 |
| 12 | C. Sainz | Williams | Q2 - 1:27.836 |
| 13 | F. Alonso | Aston Martin | Q2 - 1:27.897 |
| 14 | L. Lawson | VCARB | Q2 - 1:27.906 |
| 15 | Y. Tsunoda | Red Bull | Q2 - 1:28.000 |
| 16 | N. Hülkenberg | Kick Sauber | Q1 - 1:28.570 |
| 17 | G. Bortoleto | Kick Sauber | Q1 - 1:28.622 |
| 18 | E. Ocon | Haas | Q1 - 1:28.696 |
| 19 | J. Doohan | Alpine | Q1 - 1:29.877 |
| 20 | L. Stroll | Aston Martin | Q1 - 1:29.271 |
My Thoughts:
Tsunoda will have a lot of ground to cover for Red Bull's hopes to be restored for the season, but with the laps he put in during the Free Practice sessions things look good for Round 3.
VCARB also look like they are in a good position for the race, with Hadjar starting up in P7 and Lawson starting in P14 – which is a lot better than what they did in the first two rounds. I really hope these two have an impressive drive today.
Looking Ahead:
After securing his fourth consecutive pole at the Suzuka circuit, Max Verstappen will have to run at a dominant pace to fight off both of the McLaren's lining up behind him for tonight's race. Watch along with me here.