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By just 0.012 seconds, Max Verstappen set a track record and edged Lando Norris on Saturday to secure pole position for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

“The last lap was just flat out,” said Verstappen, who finished in 1:26.983. “Around here, being on the limit or maybe a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding.”

Norris finished in 1:26.995, just ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri (1:27.027). Norris leads the Formula 1 points standings with 44, eight ahead of Verstappen.

“Congrats to Max,” Norris said. “He did a good job. Hats off as you have to credit when he did a lap that good. I am happy. Max did an amazing lap. For us both to be up there fighting for pole is good, but not enough.”

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari will start fourth, ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Isack Hadjar, a rookie with Racing Bulls, notched the seventh spot ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. Williams’ Alexander Albon and Haas’ Oliver Bearman round out the top 10.

Verstappen, who said it was “very unexpected” that he would win the pole, expressed concerns over his Red Bull car’s handling.

“I think if you look at how our season started, even during this weekend, I think it’s very unexpected,” the four-time champion said. “And I think that makes it probably a very special one.”

–Field Level Media