Verstappen: A very special one

The four-times F1 world champion had been complaining about the Red Bull RB21 all season as he struggled to keep up with the McLarens but banished the woes in 1:26.983 seconds of Qualifying magic on Saturday by Verstappen, whose pure satisfaction was on clear display.

GRANDPRIX247 stats man Kevin Melro noted that Norris and Verstappen are the only humans to have lapped Suzuka in under 97 seconds: "History shows Max and Lando are the only two drivers alive to lap Suzuka sub 1:27s. It's bone-chilling fast."

As Verstappen popped to the top of the timing screens at Suzuka today, Verstappen's team radio with the Red Bull pitwall was priceless.

Gianpiero Lambiase: "That is insane. That is insane. Pole position."
Max: "Yes, let's go! What a lap."
Christian Horner: "What a lap Max, unbelievable. You've done it. Pure class."

Beaming widely in parc ferme, Verstappen who has won from pole at Suzuka for the last three years said: "This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here. The last lap was just flat out. Around here being on the limit -- or maybe even a bit over in places -- is incredibly rewarding.

"I've had some really nice (poles) in other places. But I think if you look at how our season started ... it's very unexpected. And I think that makes it probably a very special one," said Verstappen, taking his top spot start tally in F1 to 41.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described Verstappen's lap -- which bettered the Suzuka record -- as "unbelievable" and added: "We did not expect that. What can you say? Just an outstanding lap. He's extracted every ounce of performance.

"Getting that pole position was completely against the run of form that we've been seeing. So a massive result for him and a big lift for the team. That was one of his best laps, I think, in qualifying ever," declared Horner who has witnessed all 41.

Verstappen was less bullish about keeping the McLarens of Norris and Oscar Piastri at bay during Sunday's race: "I will try to do my best. So far this season, we've not been able to fight them. But it's not like we just sit there and accept it. We will give it a good fight tomorrow if we can. At least we're starting from the front and we'll see where we go."

When commenting on Verstappen's lap, 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve observed: "A lot of it has to do with the lower downforce rear wing. He got his car through the corners and had the top speed. You can see the smile he had in his eyes. It's amazing to see a driver with so many wins and championships, that he still has that pleasure."

Verstappen is in line to win the Japanese Grand Prix for a fourth time, if he keeps the momentum from today through to Sunday. The top step of the Suzuka podium beckons. But not so for his new teammate.

It was a less impressive day's qualifying for Yuki Tsunoda. The 24-year-old was bumped up from the Racing Bulls feeder team at the expense of Liam Lawson last week. He looked quick in the car in practice but will start his home race from 14th on the grid, a spot behind the New Zealander he swapped with.

Tsunoda reported after his first Quali for Red Bull: "There was pace to go through to Q3 but I just didn't put it all together. The positive is that I have started to understand the car. It is quite difficult to operate properly, quite narrow, but I have confidence now and know what to do in future.

“It’s a shame, but at least the positive is that I’ve started to understand about the car. It’s quite difficult to operate this car properly. It’s more narrow than the VCARB, but at least I feel confidence in the car and I know what to do for the future, I guess," added the Japanese driver.

Horner gave his version of Tsunoda's showing on the day: "Up to that point, I think he's actually done very well. And pleased to see Liam settling in well at the Racing Bulls."