Verstappen wary of McLaren threat after 'insane' surprise

Max Verstappen turned the form book on its head to land a surprise pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix.

One or other of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had been the quickest in the three practice sessions, similarly in the first two sessions in qualifying.

When Norris set a record lap for the Suzuka circuit of 1:29.995s to depose Piastri from top spot, it appeared at that stage as if it would be a McLaren one-two for the start of the race.

But of nowhere Red Bull's four-time F1 champion conjured a stunning lap to beat Norris by 0.012s. A mistake from Piastri out of Turn 2 compromised his final run as he purpled the second and third sectors, leaving the Australian third on the grid, 0.044s adrift.

Asked whether he was as surprised himself as many observers with his pole, Verstappen replied: "Yeah, I am. We tried the best we could to get the best possible balance with the car, but it wasn't easy, even in qualifying.

"But every session, we just kept on making little improvements, and I think that's where we made the difference. And then the last time was just flat out.

"Around here, being on the limit, or maybe even a bit over in places, is incredibly rewarding."

It was Verstappen's fourth consecutive pole at the circuit. As to how special the track is to him, he said: "It's insane!

"In a Formula 1 car, sector one, especially, it's unbelievable. And now with the new tarmac as well, it just gives you even more grip around there."

But with Norris and Piastri directly behind him, Verstappen knows he is in for a tough race given the Red Bull so far has not been as strong in a grand prix as it has in qualifying.

Whether he was wary of the challenge from McLaren, he said: "For sure.

"This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here. But you know, we will look to tomorrow. There might be some rain around, but we'll do our very best."