Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has hailed his surprise ꦏpole position at the Japanese Grand Prix as a “proper highlight” for his crew and the entire Red Bull t🐠eam.

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

It marked the first time 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Red Bull outperformed McLaren in a major session this 𓃲year, with the Woking-based team having dominated the opening two race weekends of 2025 in Australia and China.

The result was also significant for Red Bull’s engine partner Honda, which is splitting wiꦕth 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 claimꩲ his 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 D⛦utchman said.

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

“The last lap was fla🌠t out. Around he🤡re 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 S🥃unday, Verstappen added: “For sure.

“This is a p🍨roper 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 asphalt being laid from the final chicane to the end of the opening sector. Several 🍨new 𒐪gravel traps have also been added.

Verstappen explaine﷽d that the extra grip from the n☂ew 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.”