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      F1 Japanese Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Max Verstappen on POLE for huge race ahead of Lando Norris – updates

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      FORMULA ONE travels to Japan in the third race of the 2025 season. Lando Norris currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship after two races, after winning in Australia and getting second in China. Lewis Hamilton will be looking for a boost in Japan, as he currently sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship after two races. Max Verstappen will also be looking to improve on two second place finishes, as he aims to chase down Lando Norris at the top of the WDC.Start time: 6am BSTTV channel: Sky Sports F1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…Bear the fruitsOllie Bearman has revealed the stunning tactic he used to score a surprise top-ten qualifying result at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.The Haas rookie, 19, made a shock Q3 appearance after only running at best 15th fastest across the three practice sessions.But the Brit, racing at the circuit for the first time in his F1 career, turned his form around on Saturday to place P10 – his team’s best qualifying result at Suzuka since 2019.Speaking about his lap, Bearman revealed how using a tactic from “iRacing”, online motorsport races played through video games, had helped him gain vital time at the end of his lap.He said: “I had a snap in the chicane. I was taking more and more kerb every single lap, and the last lap was a little bit too much.“Every time I was doing it, I was gaining more and lap time, so I thought, why not take a little more?“I was going as tight as I could to the wall. I don’t know why not everyone is doing that.”Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedHow we start today1 Max Verstappen, Red Bull2 Lando Norris, McLaren3 Oscar Piastri, McLaren4 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari5 George Russell, Mercedes6 Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7 Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls8 Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari9 Alex Albon, Williams10 Oliver Bearman, HaasCopy linkCopiedRest of the gridCharles Leclerc will start from fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth after qualifying and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.After a controversial week at Red Bull, Liam Lawson managed to advance to Q2 for the first time this season and even finished one place ahead of replacement Yuki Tsunoda.Copy linkCopiedMore on the qualifying controversyWilliams chief James Vowles hit out at the FIA to fix the issues ahead of qualifying – after attempts to water and trim it on Friday proved ineffective.Vowles said: “I think it’s hampered all of us really.“It’s just when you get into the flow, you need a couple of laps on the softs to get it right. And we just didn’t get that nor did anyone else for that matter.”So definitely, we spoke to the FIA at the end of that one [FP3],” he added. “No one wants these, and it’s the same for everyone. That’s the best way I can put it.“So it’s down to us to make sure that we don’t get caught out by it.”Copy linkCopiedQualifying chaosQualifying for the Japan Grand Prix was clouded by smoke from trackside fires causing red flag chaos throughout the session.Suzuka Circuit looked more like a wildfire than a race track as grass fires broke out throughout qualification and practice.Saturday morning’s practice was hit by two red flag delays from the wildfires, while the qualifying itself saw another two fires cause chaos.Sparks flying from the cars were blowing in the air and landing on dry grass and causing it to set alight.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to the Japanese Grand PrixHello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of the Japanese Grand Prix!Max Verstappen put together a blistering final lap out of nowhere to take pole for Sunday’s race for the fourth time in a row – setting a new track lap record of 1.26.983.While McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were right behind in second and third.Verstappen said: “Yeah, I am [surprised]. Each session we kept making little improvements. Then the last lap was just flat out.”In a Formula 1 car around here is insane. This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here.”Meanwhile Charles Leclerc was behind in fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.Copy linkCopied More

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      ‘Don’t know why everyone’s not doing it’ – Ollie Bearman shares shock tactic which saw him qualify top ten for Japan GP

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      OLLIE BEARMAN has revealed the stunning tactic he used to score a surprise top-ten qualifying result at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.The Haas rookie, 19, made a shock Q3 appearance after only running at best 15th fastest across the three practice sessions.Ollie Bearman scored a surprise P10 in qualifying for the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: RexBearman revealed the surprise tactic he used to earn his impressive resultCredit: RexBut the Brit, racing at the circuit for the first time in his F1 career, turned his form around on Saturday to place P10 – his team’s best qualifying result at Suzuka since 2019.Speaking about his lap, Bearman revealed how using a tactic from “iRacing”, online motorsport races played through video games, had helped him gain vital time at the end of his lap.He said: “I had a snap in the chicane. I was taking more and more kerb every single lap, and the last lap was a little bit too much.“Every time I was doing it, I was gaining more and lap time, so I thought, why not take a little more?READ MORE IN F1″I was going as tight as I could to the wall. I don’t know why not everyone is doing that.”“I was doing it since FP1. I thought that’s the real iRacing line there.”Bearman’s team-mate Esteban Ocon had a far less enjoyable session, being eliminated in Q1 and qualifying down in P18 which made the teen’s pace even more impressive.He added: “It was quite an unexpected result. I was really happy to be in Q2, so you can imagine how happy I was to be in Q3.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We were [estimating we would be] on the cut-off, from our predictions prior to the session, to be in Q2. “So when that lap finished and I think I popped up to eighth at the end of that Q2 lap, and then slowly back down and I just about managed to sneak into Q3, it was great.”Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’Qualifying was topped by a record lap time from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Charles Leclerc and George Russell came in P4 and P5 respectively.Rookies Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar qualified P6 and P7 ahead of Lewis Hamilton in P8, with Alex Albon then making up the final driver in the top ten in front of Bearman.Hadjar told Sky Sports afterwards how he almost crashed after suffering a bizarre injury in a “sensitive area”.Qualifying and practice were hit with chaos as the sunny and windy conditions led to a number of trackside grass fires which suspended the sessions.Sunday’s race will see a cold front coming in with a chance of showers which should dampen the grass enough to stop any more fires popping up.Japanese Grand Prix qualifying resultsMax Verstappen Red BullLando Norris McLarenOscar Piastri McLarenCharles Leclerc FerrariGeorge Russell MercedesKimi Antonelli MercedesIsack Hadjar Racing BullsLewis Hamilton FerrariAlex Albon WilliamsOliver Bearman HaasPierre Gasly AlpineFernando Alonso Aston MartinLiam Lawson Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda Red BullCarlos Sainz Williams *three-place grid penaltyNico Hulkenberg SauberGabriel Bortoleto SauberEsteban Ocon HaasJack Doohan AlpineLance Stroll Aston Martin More

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      Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crashed’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’

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      FORMULA ONE rookie sensation Isack Hadjar “almost crashed” after injuring a sensitive area of his body during qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix.The Racing Bulls youngster repeatedly complained over the team radio that he was in agony after his seat belts twisted on Saturday morning.Isack Hadjar said he ‘almost crashed’ after injuring a sensitive area of his body during qualifying in GPCredit: Sky SportsThe Racing Bulls driver had to jump out between qualifying sessions to be helped outHis team worked frantically to fix the issueHadjar disrupted the team’s original plan by returning to the garage towards the end of Q1, as mechanics frantically tried to fix the problem. The 20-year-old was sent back out while still in pain, but he somehow managed to find a lap quick enough to lift him out of the bottom five. He then had his six-point safety harness re-positioned and went on to battle through to Q3 and pip Lewis Hamilton to seventh fastest ahead of Sunday’s race.After qualifying, Hadjar revealed that he was so disorientated he nearly crashed the car – which would’ve been for the second time this season.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut he found little sympathy from the Sky Sports panel of pundits, as presenter Simon Lazenby said: “I’m just going to cross my legs here and ask you what was going on?”And Hadjar told Sky: “It was a nightmare, man. Honestly. I’m really proud of myself and the lap I did in Q1, with what I had, unbelievable.””I realised straight in Turn 3. I was like ‘OK, this is not going well’, and I nearly crashed actually. But I’m OK.The panel were laughing even harder when Naomi Schiff pointed out: “This was not an issue I ever dealt with when I was racing.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPundit Jacques Villeneuve, who was already giggling, begged him not to go into “too much detail” on the live broadcast.Drivers normally stay in the cockpit for the duration of qualifying, but drastic action was needed and Hadjar jumped out between sessions.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team Hadjar somehow managed to power through and qualified seventh – ahead of Lewis HamiltonDuring Q1 Hadjar had made it clear just how painful the problem was as he spoke with race engineer Pierre Hamelin over the radio.He said: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, f***ing hell. I mean, I just can’t focus, I have so much lap time. It’s just not driveable.”The French-Algerian star later reported that the belts strapping him in were “twisted” which seemed to be the cause of his discomfort. Cameras mounted on board his car showed him trying to adjust the belts while driving whenever he could,TV footage then showed Racing Bulls staff trying to resolve the issue in the garage.On several occasions he winced and tightly closed his eyes because of the pain he was feeling as his mechanics tried to sort out his seat belt.Hadjar fears were understandable after he crashed on his F1 debut during a formation lap at the Australian GP – leaving him in tears.Japanese GP Qualifying: Top 101) Max Verstappen, Red Bull2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren4) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari5) George Russell, Mercedes6) Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls8) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari9) Alex Albon, Williams10) Oliver Bearman, HaasMeanwhile, Hadjar’s newly returning team-mate Liam Lawson – who was dropped by Red Bull last week – qualified in 14th.But he ironically beat his replacement driver Yuki Tsunoda, who drove the RB21 for the first time ever at his home GP.Meanwhile, Red Bull star Max Verstappen produced a major upset after snatching pole position from McLaren’s Lando Norris.Verstappen delivered a time of 1:26.983 – the fastest lap in Suzuka history.The Dutchman took a fourth successive Suzuka pole as the top three were left separated by less than half a tenth of a second.Read More on The SunRed Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “That was one of his best laps in qualifying ever. We did not expect that. Outstanding.”Max extracted every ounce of performance. He got the most out of it today and getting that pole position was completely against the form we had been seeing. A big lift for the team.”Max Verstappen produced a major upset after snatching pole positionCredit: Rex More

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      F1 Japanese Grand Prix: How to watch LIVE as Lando Norris looks to extend lead and Lewis Hamilton chases first podium

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      LANDO NORRIS is back in action this weekend as he looks to extend his lead at the top of the Formula One Drivers’ Championship.The Brit was the first winner in 2025, taking the chequered flag ahead of Max Verstappen in the Australian Grand Prix. Lando Norris currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship with 44 pointsCredit: GettyMax Verstappen is yet to win a race in 2025Credit: Song Haiyuan/PaddockerLewis Hamilton is currently ninth in the World Drivers’ ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe struggled a bit last time out, finishing second to McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri at the Chinese Grand Prix.This season looked to be a thriller before the action even started, and with the top four split by just 10 points after three races, F1 looks to be living up to its billing in 2025.Verstappen, George Russell and Piastri sit second, third and fourth respectively, with rookie driver Kimi Antonelli in fifth.New Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton converted a pole to a win in the Chinese Sprint Race but was then DISQUALIFIED from the main race.Read more F1That left him lingering down in ninth, one point above Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.The Ferrari pair will be looking to put some more points on the board as they travel to Suzuka to take on the Japanese Grand Prix.How to watch the Japanese Grand Prix and is there a live stream?F1 continues to come LIVE from Sky Sports F1.Customers can stream the action from the Sky Go app.Viewers will be able to watch a full race replay for FREE on Channel 4, following the conclusion of the race.Grand Prix highlights will also be available on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel.Alternatively, follow LIVE with SunSport’s blog of the Grand Prix. Japanese Grand Prix UK start timePractice one (3.30am BST) and Practice two (7am BST) take place on Friday, April 4.The third practice session (3.30am BST) takes place on Saturday April 5 in the UK.Qualifying is later that same day at 7am BST.The race is set to start at 6am BST on Sunday, April 6.Most read in Motorsport More

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      Max Verstappen takes shock pole as Japan Grand Prix qualification is hit by trackside fire disruptions

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      QUALIFYING for the Japan Grand Prix was clouded by smoke from trackside fires causing red flag chaos throughout the session.Suzuka Circuit looked more like a wildfire than a race track as grass fires broke out throughout qualification and practice.Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix was hit by red flag chaosCredit: ReutersGrass fires broke out on the side of the track at Suzuka CircuitCredit: Sky SportsTwo fires broke out during qualifying after the same happened in practiceCredit: AFPSaturday morning’s practice was hit by two red flag delays from the wildfires, while the qualifying itself saw another two fires cause chaos.Sparks flying from the cars were blowing in the air and landing on dry grass and causing it to set alight.Williams chief James Vowles hit out at the FIA to fix the issues ahead of qualifying – after attempts to water and trim it on Friday proved ineffective.Vowles said: “I think it’s hampered all of us really.READ MORE F1 NEWS“It’s just when you get into the flow, you need a couple of laps on the softs to get it right. And we just didn’t get that nor did anyone else for that matter.”So definitely, we spoke to the FIA at the end of that one [FP3],” he added. “No one wants these, and it’s the same for everyone. That’s the best way I can put it.“So it’s down to us to make sure that we don’t get caught out by it.” Adding: “They’ve tried wetting the turf, but I think they have to look at other measures before qualifying.”Most read in MotorsportMax Vertsappen took pole position with a lightning quick final lapCredit: ReutersThe Red Bull driver has now taken pole in Japan four years in a rowCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite the FIA claiming they would throw “all available time and resources” into sorting the issue before qualifying, it still proved. In between the disruptions, drivers were still able to put some laps together.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team Max Verstappen put together a blistering final lap out of nowhere to take pole for Sunday’s race for the fourth time in a row – setting a new track lap record of 1.26.983.While McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were right behind in second and third. Verstappen said: “Yeah, I am [surprised]. Each session we kept making little improvements. Then the last lap was just flat out.”In a Formula 1 car around here is insane. This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here.”Meanwhile Charles Leclerc was behind in fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.After a controversial week at Red Bull, Liam Lawson managed to advance to Q2 for the first time this season and even finished one place ahead of replacement Yuki Tsunoda.Read More on The SunOfficials have now decided to burn the grass at the edges of the track ahead of Sunday’s race to try and stop a repeat of today’s disruptions.While there’s thought to be hope that there could be rain to add moisture to the flammable surface too.Liam Lawson advanced to Q2 for the first time this seasonCredit: GettyRed Bull replacement Yuki Tsunoda finished one place behind LawsonCredit: GettyJapan Grand Prix QualificationHere’s a look at the results in full from qualification…Max Verstappen – 1:26.983Lando Norris +0.012Oscar Piastri +0.044Charles Leclerc +0.316George Russell +0.335Kimi Antonelli +0.572Isack Hadjar +0.586Lewis Hamilton +0.627Alexander Albon +0.632Oliver Bearman +0.884Pierre GaslyCarlos SainzFernando AlonsoLiam LawsonYuki TsunodaNico HulkenbergGabriel BortoletoEsteban OconJack DoohanLance Stroll More

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      Why are Red Bull racing in white instead of navy at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2025?

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      FORMULA ONE heads to Japan for the third race of the season, with Red Bull still in search of their first win of 2025. Max Verstappen is second in the World Drivers’ Championship after two races, having come second to either McLaren driver in two races.Red Bull will be driving in a special red and white liveryCredit: REUTERS/Issei KatoYuki Tsunoda will be making his debut for the Red Bull team in JapanCredit: REUTERS/Issei KatoMax Verstappen is looking for his first win of the season in JapanCredit: IPA / SplashNews.comHe also finished third to Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri in the season’s first Sprint last weekend.Verstappen will be lining up not only with a new livery, but with a new teammate this weekend.Liam Lawson’s poor start to the season saw him axed in just TWO races, and replaced by home favourite Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix.Lawson will race for Red Bull’s ‘feeder’ team Racing Bulls, with Tsunoda make the switch from Racing Bulls to Red Bull. Read more F1But, Tsunoda will not be racing in the typical Red Bull car, as the team roll out a special edition livery for the Japanese Grand Prix.Why are Red Bull racing in white?The RB21 is rolling out a special white livery to honour the final year of their contract with engine manufactures Honda.The Honda company are based in Japan, so Red Bull will wear the colour to honour them in their home Grand Prix.Red Bull will already have endeared themselves to the Japanese faithful, as they promoted home hero Yuki Tsunoda to the second seat in place of Liam Lawson.Most read in MotorsportHow to watch the Japanese Grand Prix and is there a live streamThe F1 Japanese Grand Prix is LIVE on Sky Sports F1.The race will start at 6am BST in the UK.Viewers will be able to watch the full race for FREE on Channel 4 following the conclusion of the race.Follow along with the action on SunSport’s comprehensive blog. More

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      Tai Woffinden health update as wife Faye reveals stricken Speedway star is ‘fighting’ in medically induced coma

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      TAI WOFFINDEN’S wife Faye says he is “fighting” as he remains in a medically induced coma following a high-speed crash in Poland. Woffy, 34, was airlifted to hospital in Krosno on Sunday and underwent emergency surgery after suffering numerous fractures and a chest injury.Tai Woffinden’s wife Faye has thanked fans for their supportFaye says her husband’s spirit remains strong ‘and so does our hope’The speedway ace was airlifted to hospital following the crashCredit: XBritain’s most successful speedway star of all time got caught in a three-rider and bike pile-up and smashed into a protective airfence at high speed while racing for Rzeszow.Faye has flown in from Australia to Poland to be by her husband’s side alongside his mum Sue.She said: “Our brave boy is here with us! fighting, healing, and resting.“Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine. READ MORE ON TAI WOFFINDEN”Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much. “And yet, his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing, more strength, and more of him back to us.“Anyone who knows Tai knows how open, honest, and full of life he is.”When he’s ready, he’ll share his story in his own way. But right now, his only job is to rest, to heal, and to find the strength to get through this.Most read in Motorsport“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.“While we hesitate to name individuals for fear of missing anyone, we want to extend our deepest thanks to those who played a part in saving Tai.Faye has praised all the help Tai is receivingHe is seen here celebrating his first title in 2013 with mum Sue, left, and Faye“To the special person we cannot name, whose quick actions arranged the helicopter to the track so promptly, and to the medical team inside who cared for Tai before he even reached the hospital—you gave him a fighting chance, and we will never forget that.“To Dr. Paweł Jasiński, for organizing every surgery and ensuring Tai has the best possible team. To Rafał Roger Piątek, who has not only been by Tai’s side but also ours through it all. To Basia Karczewska, for her constant support and kindness.“To the incredible doctors and medical team in Rzeszów. To the Stal Rzeszów team, especially Paweł Piskorz and Michał Drymajło your unwavering support means everything.“To our family, our friends, and every single person who has reached out, offered help, or simply held us in their thoughts – thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. “Your love has carried us through the darkest moments. We will never forget it. “Lots of love Faye & Sue.” Woffinden is a three-time world champion More

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      Ferrari make major update to Lewis Hamilton’s F1 steering wheel with special feature he used at Mercedes

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has received a major update to his Formula One car for the Japanese Grand Prix.The Ferrari driver has endured a mixed start with his new team, winning the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race but scoring just one championship point during the two Sunday feature races.Lewis Hamilton has seen a major upgrade brought to his Ferrari for the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: ReutersHamilton has asked for his steering wheel to include more information like it did when he was at MercedesCredit: AFPHamilton scored P4 in both practice sessions with the new wheelCredit: RexHowever, the seven-time F1 world champion will see a welcome upgrade for this weekend’s race with a feature brought over from his old team Mercedes.Hamilton has already been forced to hold a meeting with race engineer, Riccardo Adami, to outline what information he wants passed over from the pit wall.He has been consistently asking for changes to his car configuration, but has now seen a huge adjustment made to his steering wheel with new software being added to give him direct access to more data.Motorsport revealed how Hamilton’s steering wheel in the SF-25 had been given a new lever for the clutch and gear shift.READ MORE IN F1But a fresh report has detailed how Ferrari have tried to replicate the automation seen on Hamilton’s Mercedes steering wheel on to their own with a specially developed software.In addition to the classic indicators seen on an F1 steering wheel such as speed, gear, time and delta, Hamilton’s wheel features information on the race screen including engine mappings used.The upper left of the screen has an indicator of the SOC (hybrid management) and the ENG engine map used so he is always aware of which configuration is being used.At Mercedes much of the Power Unit information was linked to a single STRAT lever located in the lower part of the steering wheel which was grouped together into three areas.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt Ferrari many of these elements were split, with the simplified Mercedes model being another change Hamilton has asked for.Elsewhere, under the box that indicates engine mapping, there is a space dedicated to what Ferrari call “Multi”.Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar This gives Hamilton access to secondary engine settings which he is said to have always wanted access to.The changes have not been implemented for Scuderia team-mate Charles Leclerc, who prefers to have less data on his screen during a lap.Hamilton finished in P4 in both practice sessions on Friday.FP2 was hit by chaos as FOUR red flags were waved thanks to a huge 185mph crash by Alpine rookie Jack Doohan and Fernando Alonso beaching his Aston Martin before two trackside grass fires.Elsewhere, the driver Hamilton replaced at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, had an embarrassing gaffe with Williams as he missed his box to change tyres – blasting “oh s***” down the team radio as he realised.Charles Leclerc is not having the change done to his wheelCredit: Reuters More