Verstappen gets back to winning ways by defeating title favourites in Japan

Entering the weekend in Suzuka, the McLaren drivers had each won a Grand Prix in Australia and China, while Verstappen had a single podium to his name in Melbourne.

In Q1 and Q2, the Woking-based team's drivers once again shared the fastest times. In the final session, Verstappen managed to unlock more from his RB21, defeating Norris by just 0.012 seconds for pole position in Red Bull's special white and red livery.

The McLaren drivers were close to Verstappen, but never managed to make a move stick. In the end, only around two seconds separated the top three.

The biggest talking point was when Verstappen and Norris pitted on the same lap, and the British driver went on the grass after exiting the pit lane. The Dutchman then referred to the MCL39 as an 'expensive lawnmower'.

In the end, Norris finished second, and Oscar Piastri crossed the finish line in third. In terms of the standings, Verstappen closed in on the British driver, trailing him by just a single point.

On his debut for Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda finished 12th.

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