){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=small}
NAP
){kind=small}
EMP
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=logo}
FUL
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
ATM
){kind=small}
VLL
){kind=logo}
NEW
){kind=small}
CRY
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=logo}
REN
){kind=small}
FCN
){kind=logo}
ESP
){kind=logo}
GET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=logo}
VAL
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=logo}
HSK
){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
HDH
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SVW
){kind=logo}
BOC
){kind=logo}
SCF
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
EVE
){kind=small}
MCI
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=logo}
SOU
){kind=small}
BAR
){kind=logo}
CEL
){kind=small}
PSG
){kind=logo}
LEH
){kind=small}
NPFL){kind=small}
LOB
){kind=small}
ENU
)
The defending champion claimed his first pole of the 2025 Formula 1 season in Suzuka.
Max Verstappen delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Suzuka Circuit on Saturday to seal his first pole position of the 2025 season, snatching the top spot in the dying moments of qualifying with a record-breaking lap time of 1:26.983.
The Dutchman and four-time World Champion, was visibly elated.
"If you look at how our season started — even during this weekend, yeah it’s very unexpected," Verstappen told reporters after the session, as quoted by Daily Pioneer.
)
"And I think that makes it, probably, a very special one... When I enjoy the track it is even more fun to drive. It was crazy fast."
He wasn’t the only one impressed.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who will start alongside Verstappen on the front row, acknowledged the brilliance of his rival:
“Congrats to Max. He did a good job. It is a hats off. You have to credit something when it’s that good.”
Norris’ teammate and Chinese Grand Prix winner Oscar Piastri, starting third, echoed the sentiment, saying he “got everything out of the car today” but conceded that “Max is going to put up a good fight”.
Verstappen’s pole marks his 41st in Formula 1, and perhaps a turning point in what has been a slightly slow start to the new season.
The Red Bull driver has only taken two wins in his last 16 outings and will be hungry to return to winning ways, especially at a Shanghai circuit where he’s won the last three times.
PAY ATTENTION: Check out Bet Of The Day page - we provide expert tips
Ferrari Falters as Hamilton struggles to find form
Further down the grid, Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari continued its difficult narrative.
The seven-time World Champion could only manage P8, behind both Mercedes drivers and even rookie Isack Hadjar.
Once again, the 40-year-old Brit appeared frustrated with the car’s setup and grip in key corners.
Meanwhile, George Russell led the Mercedes charge in P5, followed by teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli in P6.
Charles Leclerc, leading Ferrari’s effort, settled for P4, narrowly missing the front row after a competitive session.
The qualifying session also saw a surprise performance from Williams’ Alex Albon in P9, while Ollie Bearman of Haas rounded out the top 10.
Rain is forecast for Sunday’s race, and that could prove a decisive factor.
Verstappen, widely considered the best wet-weather driver on the grid, might be happy with the forecast.
But the ever-unpredictable Suzuka Circuit, combined with a competitive McLaren duo and the promise of mixed conditions, ensures fans are in for a blockbuster Grand Prix.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)