Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka International Circuit, narrowly beating out his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Verstappen showcased impressive speed from the outset, setting a blistering pace in Q1 that was nearly four-tenths faster than Fernando Alonso, signaling his determination for pole. Despite Alonso's early promise, Lance Stroll faced disappointment with another Q1 elimination at Suzuka.

In Q2, Verstappen continued his dominance, posting the fastest time with Perez close behind, just 12 milliseconds adrift. The battle intensified in Q3, with Perez challenging Verstappen for pole position. However, Verstappen held his ground, clinching pole by a mere 0.066 seconds. Lando Norris impressed with a third-place finish, followed by Carlos Sainz, Alonso, and McLaren's Oscar Piastri. Despite a strong showing in practice sessions, Lewis Hamilton struggled to P7, expressing frustration over the sizable gap to the front during Q3.