.jpg)
11 hours ago
1
Max Verstappen admitted his pole lap for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix was "very special" after he pipped McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to top spot.
It was Verstappen's 41st pole position in F1 and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described it as "one of his best ever".
Verstappen, who is eight points behind Norris in the Drivers' Championship, will look to convert his pole into a first win of 2025 when the lights go out at 6am on Sunday at Suzuka, live on Sky Sports F1.
- When and how to watch the Japanese GP live on Sky Sports
- F1 2025 schedule | F1 championship standings
- Got Sky? Watch F1 races LIVE on your phone! 📱
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺
- Choose the sports notifications you want! 🔔
"I've had some really nice ones also in other places," said the reigning world champion.
"But I think if you look at how our season started, even during this weekend, it's very unexpected, I would say. And I think that makes it probably a very special one."
So where does Verstappen's latest pole position rank in the 41 of his career? We have picked out his other brilliant qualifying laps for you to look back at, before voting in our poll.
Dutch Grand Prix 2021
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
As the thrilling 2021 title race heated up, Verstappen delivered under huge pressure from a home crowd at the Dutch Grand Prix by taking pole position from Lewis Hamilton by less than half a tenth, without the help of DRS on the main straight too, while his then Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez was knocked out in Q1.
Monaco Grand Prix 2023
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Verstappen produced arguably one of the greatest ends to a qualifying lap when taking over two tenths out of Fernando Alonso to deny the Aston Martin driver pole on the streets of Monaco.
Japanese Grand Prix 2023
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Later that year, Verstappen beat the field by over half a second in Q3 with what Horner described as a "mind-blowing performance" after the Dutchman flew through the high-speed circuit with a stunning lap.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2024
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
It looked like Norris was going to end Verstappen's pole streak in Imola 2024 after the first runs of Q3 until the Red Bull driver put everything together, including a slipstream from Nico Hulkenberg, to make it eight poles in a row.
Japanese Grand Prix 2025
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Or was Verstappen's best pole position his most recent one? Nearly everyone thought a McLaren or George Russell would be on pole but from nowhere, Verstappen stole top spot and showed why he is the best driver on the grid.
Monterosa This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Sky Sports F1's live Japanese GP schedule
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sunday April 6
- 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
- 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 9am: Ted's Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula is at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - No contract, cancel anytime
English (US)