Verstappen conjures a lap for the ages, Hadjar toughs it out, and Suzuka’s top three are separated by a blink.
Max Verstappen, Shōgun of Suzuka
There are pole laps, and then there are Verstappen pole laps. With his team in flux and his car still not quite dialed in, Max pulled a lap out of nowhere in Q3 to snatch pole position by just 0.012 seconds over Lando Norris — and sent the F1 world into collective shock.
This wasn’t just any pole lap. Verstappen’s 1:26.983 broke Sebastian Vettel’s longstanding 2019 track record (1:27.064), delivering not just speed but history.
The reaction — from fans and even Max himself — said it all. Radio chatter from Verstappen was unusually animated, more emotional than he’s been in years, and his body language after the session showed it meant something extra. In a season where McLaren had looked dominant in practice, Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of stunning.
The top three — Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri — were separated by just 0.044 seconds. Suzuka delivered one of the tightest qualifying sessions in years, and it came down to a masterclass in Sector 3 from the reigning champion.
Final Qualifying Standings – Top 10
- Max Verstappen – 1:26.983
- Lando Norris – +0.012
- Oscar Piastri – +0.044
- Charles Leclerc – +0.316
- George Russell – +0.335
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli – +0.572
- Isack Hadjar – +0.586
- Lewis Hamilton – +0.627
- Alexander Albon – +0.632
- Ollie Bearman – +0.728
Hadjar: Quick Lap, Painful Price
While Isack Hadjar continued to turn heads with a stunning Q3 appearance, he did so under unexpected physical duress. The rookie spent much of the session visibly uncomfortable in the car, later confirmed to be due to a poorly fitted seatbelt causing extreme discomfort.
Despite the pain, Hadjar delivered a P7 qualifying performance and showcased impressive consistency all weekend. The issue appears to have originated in FP3 and was aggravated during qualifying. The fact he managed to qualify ahead of both Racing Bulls and a number of veterans made his effort even more impressive.
Quali Ollie Delivers for Haas
Ollie Bearman continued his impressive rookie campaign by taking Haas into Q3 for the first time this season. While many were surprised to see the No. 87 machine crack the top ten, Bearman had shown strong one-lap pace across practice sessions and built on that momentum when it counted.
Despite a small mistake at the chicane on his final flying lap — which cost him valuable time — Bearman still secured P10, finishing ahead of both Alpine cars and several seasoned midfield runners. Post-session, he confirmed that he took a bit too much kerb on the final attempt, but the potential was clear: the pace is there, and the confidence is growing.
His rise is especially notable given the skepticism some had about his F2 credentials. While his final championship position last year may not have turned heads, it masked the impact of missed rounds, reliability woes, and team struggles. What Bearman is showing now — adaptability, raw speed, and composure under pressure — is quickly validating Haas’s investment.
He’s not just beating expectations. He’s rewriting them.
Ferrari and the Midfield Shakeup
Ferrari had a mixed outing. Leclerc made the second row but was reportedly unhappy with the car’s balance during the final Q3 runs. Sainz, on the other hand, was knocked out in Q2 alongside Gasly, Alonso, Lawson, and Tsunoda.
Tsunoda’s Q2 exit was especially disappointing after strong pace throughout practice and Q1. A snap of oversteer and traffic disrupted his flying lap, and starting on used softs for the first run didn’t help his rhythm. It’s a setback, but he’s shown solid pace this weekend.
Red Bull’s second car continues to puzzle. The RB21 appears to have a narrow operating window, and even experienced drivers like Tsunoda are struggling to extract consistency. That said, with a good start and a clean race, points are still on the table.
Sainz Impedes Hamilton
Carlos Sainz caused a stir in Q2 by impeding Lewis Hamilton’s flying lap. Initially mistaken by Hamilton for Albon, it was later confirmed that Sainz was the culprit. The incident was quickly labeled a slam dunk penalty by commentators and fans alike.
The Ferrari pit wall didn’t warn Sainz in time, but many pointed out he should have been aware given the session’s context. A penalty seems likely heading into race day.
Another Fire, Another Red Flag
For the fifth time this weekend, Suzuka was temporarily halted by a grass fire. Sparks from the cars continued to ignite the dry, straw-like grass along the edge of the circuit. Qualifying was red-flagged briefly while marshals addressed the flare-up.
Fans at the circuit groaned collectively when it happened — not out of panic, but fatigue. The fires have become a recurring issue, and while not dangerous, they’re certainly disruptive. With rain in the forecast for Sunday, hopes are high that race day won’t suffer the same fate.
Final Thoughts
Max Verstappen once again reminded the world why he’s the benchmark. Despite a difficult car, unstable upgrades, and a racy McLaren breathing down his neck, he delivered what many are already calling one of his all-time best qualifying laps.
Isack Hadjar toughed out a painful session to land in the top ten, while Ferrari’s inconsistency and another chaotic Red Bull second seat storyline promise an unpredictable race ahead.
And with Suzuka’s grass continuing its fiery rebellion, who knows what Sunday will bring.
Stay strapped in.