Olly Darcy is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 news. With a background in sports journalism, he delivers timely and reliable coverage of the sport.
Max Verstappen shocked everyone with a lap of a four-time world champion at the Japanese Grand Prix, taking a stunning pole position at Suzuka ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren looked to be almost unbeatable around Suzuka, with Norris taking P1 in both FP1 and FP3, while Piastri took first in FP2, to show they were the team to beat.
However, a stunning lap from Verstappen pipped both the papaya-colured cars to the top spot, finding pace in the RB21 that no one thought was possible, underlining the Dutchman's credentials.
Behind the top three came the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, just having enough to beat Geroge Russell in P5, while Russell's teammate Kimi Antonelli took a fine P6.
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Isack Hadjar also put in a stunning performance, qualifying P7 ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who could only finish seventh fastest when the chequered flag fell, highlighting his struggles to get to grips with his SF-25 so far this campaign.
Alex Albon's Williams finished in P9, while Ollie Bearman in the Hass rounded out the top ten.
Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying results:
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