Max Verstappen described his pole lap for the Japanese Grand Prix as `very special` after outqualifying McLaren`s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to secure the first position.
This marks Verstappen`s 41st pole position in Formula 1, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner calling it `one of his best ever`.
Verstappen, currently trailing Norris by eight points in the Drivers` Championship, aims to convert this pole into his first victory of 2025 at Suzuka.
`I`ve had some really good ones in other places too,` commented the reigning world champion.
`However, considering our season`s start and even this weekend, it was quite unexpected, I must say. That’s what makes it feel particularly special.`
So, where does Verstappen`s latest pole position stand among his 41 career poles? We`ve highlighted some of his other remarkable qualifying laps for you to review, before you decide in our poll.
Dutch Grand Prix 2021
In the intense 2021 title race, Verstappen faced immense pressure from his home crowd at the Dutch Grand Prix. He secured pole position, beating Lewis Hamilton by a narrow margin of less than half a tenth, notably without using DRS on the main straight. Meanwhile, his then Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was eliminated in Q1.
Monaco Grand Prix 2023
Verstappen delivered what could be considered one of the most impressive finishes to a qualifying lap in Monaco 2023. He gained over two tenths on Fernando Alonso in the final moments, denying the Aston Martin driver pole position on the challenging street circuit.
Japanese Grand Prix 2023
Later in 2023, at the same Suzuka circuit, Verstappen dominated qualifying by more than half a second in Q3. Horner lauded it as a `mind-blowing performance` as Verstappen navigated the high-speed track with an exceptional lap.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2024
At Imola in 2024, it seemed Norris might break Verstappen`s pole streak after the initial Q3 runs. However, Verstappen managed to pull everything together, even benefiting from a slipstream from Nico Hulkenberg, to clinch his eighth consecutive pole.
Japanese Grand Prix 2025
Or could Verstappen`s most recent pole be his best? Despite expectations that a McLaren or George Russell might take pole, Verstappen emerged from nowhere to claim the top spot, reaffirming his status as a leading driver.
