Norris praises Verstappen after Dutchman secures stunning Suzuka pole: 'Hats off...'

Norris will start the race in second place with teammate Oscar Piastri just behind in third place.

"I'm happy. I mean, congrats to Max. He did a good job so it's a hats off. You've got to credit something when it's a lap that good that he must have done," Norris began on the grid after the conclusion of qualifying.

"But I mean, I'm happy because I feel like I got everything out of the car today." Norris was fastest in Q1 and seemed like the most likely polesitter. Four-time world champion Verstappen, however, had other ideas. The Red Bull driver maximised his performance and snuck into pole position at the conclusion of the session. His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, finished in 15th place after struggling in Q2. Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson lines up in 14th.

For Norris, he's still happy with what McLaren managed to do, securing second and third with it all to play for on Sunday.

There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, something which Norris is looking forward to facing. "No one knows what the weather is going to do tomorrow, so it could be another race like Australia, it could be an exciting race. Of course, we want to try to get past Max, but he's going to put up a good fight. But I've been there before, so I'm excited for it," he concluded.