Max Verstappen described his pole position lap for Sunday`s Japanese Grand Prix as `very special` after outperforming McLaren`s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to secure the top qualifying spot.
This marks Verstappen`s 41st pole position in Formula 1, with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hailing it as `one of his best ever`.
Verstappen, currently trailing Norris by eight points in the Drivers` Championship, aims to convert his pole into a victory in the 2025 season opener at Suzuka, with the race starting at 6am on Sunday.
`I`ve achieved some excellent pole laps at other circuits as well,` the reigning world champion commented.
`However, considering our season`s start and even this weekend`s performance, this one feels particularly unexpected. That element of surprise probably makes it feel extra special.`
So, how does Verstappen`s latest pole position stack up against his previous 40? We`ve highlighted some of his other outstanding qualifying laps for you to review, before you cast your vote in our poll.
Dutch Grand Prix 2021
Anthony Davidson compares the qualifying laps of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton from the 2021 Dutch GP
During the intense 2021 title battle, Verstappen excelled under immense pressure from his home crowd at the Dutch Grand Prix. He secured pole position ahead of Lewis Hamilton by a mere fraction of a second, notably without using DRS on the main straight. Meanwhile, his then Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was eliminated in Q1.
Monaco Grand Prix 2023
Max Verstappen steals pole position from Fernando Alonso with a stunning final sector in a thrilling final qualifying session at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix
Verstappen delivered what many consider one of the most impressive qualifying lap finales in Monaco. He gained over two tenths on Fernando Alonso in the final sector, denying the Aston Martin driver pole position on the challenging street circuit.
Japanese Grand Prix 2023
Karun Chandhok called it `one of the greatest qualifying laps in F1 history`. Take a look at Max Verstappen`s incredible pole lap at the Suzuka Circuit from 2023
Later in 2023 at the same Suzuka circuit, Verstappen outpaced the competition by more than half a second in Q3. Horner described it as a `mind-blowing performance`, as Verstappen navigated the high-speed track with an exceptional lap.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2024
Watch Max Verstappen claim his 39th career pole at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with a stunning lap!
At Imola in 2024, it appeared Norris might break Verstappen`s streak of pole positions 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
Max Verstappen was left in disbelief after snatching pole from both McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Japanese Grand Prix
Or perhaps Verstappen`s most impressive pole was his most recent? Many expected a McLaren or George Russell to take pole, but Verstappen emerged from nowhere to claim the top spot, reinforcing his status as a leading driver.
Sky Sports F1`s live Japanese GP schedule
- 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
- 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 9am: Ted`s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula is at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
