Fꦚour-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has hailed his surprise pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix as a “proper highlight” for his crew and the entire Red Bull team.

168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Verstappen stunned the field with a 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:new lap record at Suzuka, beating pre-qualifying favourites 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Lando Norris and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Oscar Piastri to the top spot by just 0.012s.

It marked the first time 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Red Bull outperformed McLaren in a major session this year, with the Woking-based team having dominated the openꦛing two race weekends of 2025 in Australia and Chiꦍna.

The result was also significant for Red🍃 Bull’s engine partner Honda, whic🐭h is splitting with the Milton Keynes-based squad at the end of this year and foraging a new alliance with Aston Martin.

Verstappen explained that he had to extract every last ounce out of the tricky RB21 to claim hi🍸s first pole position in🗹 F1 since last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

“We tried the 🍃best we could I think to get the best possible balance with the car but it wasn't easy even in qualifying,” the Dutchman said.

ဣ“But every session we just kept on making little improvements, I think that's what made the difference.

“The last l♎ap was flat out. Around here being on the limit or maybe a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding.”

Asked if his goal is to stay clear of the chasing McLaren in the race on Sunday, Verstappen added: “Fo𒉰r sure.

“This is a pr♋oper highlight for us to be back on pole here. But you know we will look to tomorrow, there might be some rain around but we will do our very best.”

A large chunk of the Suzuka circuit has been resurfaced ahead of the 2025 race, with new asphal⛦t being laid from the final chicane to the end of the🃏 opening sector. Several new gravel traps have also been added.

Verstappen expla🌠ined that the extra grip from the new tarmac added to the challenge of one of F1’s most iconic tracks.

“It's insane,” he said. “In a Formula 1 car around here, sector 1 especially is unbelievable. And now with the new tarmac as well it gives even more grip around here so to commit is even harder.”