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      Max Verstappen makes history as he pips Norris to fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix in first Red Bull win of season

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN returned to his usual spot as he took his first win of the season in Japan.The Red Bull driver edged out Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the same way he did in qualifying as he won his fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix – the first driver in history to do so at Suzuka.Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix to become the first driver in history to win four consecutive GP’s at SuzukaCredit: ReutersVerstappen picked up Red Bull’s first win of the seasonCredit: ReutersVerstappen had earned pole position in qualification by setting an “incredibly rewarding” record lap round the Suzuka Circuit.And he used that advantage to nip right in front of Norris from the off, staying in front of the Brit for the entire race.In fact, Verstappen was leading the pack for the entire race, barring the laps he used to catch up following his pit stop.It was that pit stop that looked like it could have been a turning point, as both the Dutchman and Norris came in at the same time.READ MORE F1 NEWSChampionship leader Norris looked like he was going to squeeze past Verstappen as the pair returned to the track, but instead got caught in the grass and lost a second on his rival.From there, both Norris and Piastri were spending the rest of the race trying to make up ground on the four-time world champion.Birthday boy Piastri was actually looking the faster of the two McLaren drivers, but a decision was made to leave Norris in second to keep the 25-year-old in top spot in the Drivers’ Standings.Verstappen crossed the line in 1:22:06.983, with Norris trailing behind by just 1.423 seconds and Piastri taking third spot by 2.129.Most read in MotorsportLando Norris was caught in the grass as he came out of his pit stopCredit: GettyMcLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri propped up Verstappen on the podiumCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCharles Leclerc took fourth for Ferrari, while Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli made up fifth and sixth place.That makeup is the exact same as yesterday’s qualification.Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’Meaning it’s the first time in history that the top six has stayed the exact same on a permanent race track.Lewis Hamilton was the best of the rest in seventh spot, but still finished well behind any kind of podium spot.Verstappen said on the team radio: “What an unbelievable weekend. What a turnaround. We win together, we keep pushing together.”While in a post-race interview, he added: “The two McLarens were pushing me very hard. It started off quite tough this weekend and we had to keep improving the car, but today it was in top form.”It’s important to always maximise your performance and I think we did that this weekend”.Norris was asked after the race his thought on the incident that saw him head through the track-side grass after the pit stop, admitting it’s just part of the race.He said: “Max is the last guy I expect to give me space. In a good way, in a competitive racing way.”Read More on The SunElsewhere 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli managed the fastest lap around the track in a promising start to life on the track.While Yuki Tsunoda improved on his qualification disappointment with a 12th placed finish, ending the race five spots above the man he replaced at Red Bull, Liam Lawson.Norris spoke about his incident on the grassCredit: AFP More

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      F1 Japanese GP LIVE RESULT: Max Verstappen edges Lando Norris to win at Suzuka for fourth straight year – latest updates

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the Japanese Grand Prix to seal his first victory of the season!The Red Bull superstar edged out McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third, respectively.Verstappen became the first driver in history to win four straight races at Suzuka.Result: 1. Max Verstappen, 2. Lando Norris, 3. Oscar PiastriBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…McLaren keep lead at the topDespite finishing second to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris kept his spot at the top of the driver’s championship.He stays one point ahead of his Red Bull rival.The big question will be whether McLaren learn from this missed chance where they opted not to let the faster Oscar Piastri to switch places with his teammate.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTeam celebrate combined effortMany felt this Red Bull car currently is unable to match the McLaren which is looking far more capable.However, Verstappen showed that there is one thing they overlooked, a superb driver.It was a brilliant performance from the current world champion, making it four Japanese Grand Prix victories in a row.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFun and games after competitionDespite going toe to toe for the entire race, it was business as usual on the podium.It is not customary to bathe your opponents in champagne, as magnums are emptied all over each other.Verstappen will take a lot of confidence from this race and remind McLaren they willl not be dominating this season as many thought.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNorris shows class in interviewWhen speaking with Sky Sports, the first question they asked him was about the pit lane incident.The McLaren driver said that he didn’t expect to come out of their in front and Verstappen had no reason to let him through.It led to him losing the one second he gained from the rapid pit stop but it came and went in a blink of an eye.Copy linkCopiedRespect between rivalsOver recent years, when the top three drivers watch the race back, you could often cut the tension with a knife.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen seem to get on far better although this may just be a professional respect.From what we have seen so far this could be some battle this season.Copy linkCopiedRed Bull picking up pointsThe ‘Driver of the Day’ award has gone to Yuki Tsunoda.He finished in twelfth place but seemed to impress the fans who voted.It will take ssome of the disappointment away from his Red Bull debut.Copy linkCopiedBig result for Racing BullThis will be one to remember for Isack Hadjar.He secured his first five points as an F1 driver.While he finished quite some way behind Lewis Hamilton, he managed to hold off Alexander Albon and Oliver Bearman.Copy linkCopiedRivals take time to watch replay togetherMax Verstappen and Lando Norris watched the one bit of excitement when they came out of the pit lanes today.The McLaren had no space and headed over the grass, cancelling out the one second advantage they gained from their pit time.As they watched the replay, Verstappen commented “that’s quite an expensive lawnmower!”Copy linkCopiedImportant victory for Red BullYou felt the Japanese Grand Prix was a real chance for Max Verstappen to put pressure on Norris in the driver’s championship.Getting pole position was important, but not as much as the start to this race.The Red Bull driver got off quickest and then closed off the McLaren so they could not make a move on him.From that point he drove the perfect race to hold them off for all 53 laps.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedMcLaren fail to show team spiritThe big advantage they have this season, aside from having the best car, is their drivers seem to be neck and neck in races.That should allow them to operate as a team, something Verstappen hasn’t been able to do for some time.However, when Piastri was constantly putting in the fastest laps and trailed Norris by 0.5 seconds, you felt they should have switched positions to take on Verstappen.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRed Bull gives you winsMax Verstappen has had a fantastic weekend in Suzuka.This is his fourth consecutive win in the Japanese Grand Prix.Currently, McLaren may well have the best car but Red Bull certainly seem to have the best driver.Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedJapanese Grand Prix resultsHere are how the drivers finished:Max Verstappen (Red Bull)Lando Norris (McLaren)Oscar Piastri (McLaren)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)George Russell (Mercedes)Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)Alexander Albon (Williams)Oliver Bearman (Haas)Copy linkCopiedMax Verstappen wins Japanese Grand PrixCopy linkCopiedLap 51/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen is putting his foot down more now.He is lapping quicker than Norris and looking to protect his lead.The McLaren would have to do something special from here to win.Copy linkCopiedLap 49/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondAntonelli has clocked the fastest lap of the race.The critical point in this finish will be Verstappen’s tyres.Norris is chipping away with each lap but he may not have enough of them left here.Copy linkCopiedLap 47/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondPiastri is in DRS range now.Norris is hunting down the Red Bull in first position.You have to wonder whether the McLaren driver left this a little too late.Copy linkCopiedLap 45/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen leads by 1.3 seconds with 8 laps remaining.Norris is lapping faster than the Red Bull and looking to put the pressure on.This will be a big test for the reigning world champion.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLap 43/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere has been no news from the McLaren team.Norris would not be happy to hear they want him drop back.It would mean him no longer leading the driver’s championship.Copy linkCopiedLap 41/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondIt will be interesting to see the team tactics for McLaren here.Piastri is lapping much quicker of Norris and has closed the gap on his teammate to 0.5 seconds.If he is currently going faster consistently than the Brit, it may make sense to switch the pair.Copy linkCopiedLap 39/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere were high hopes for Tsunoda this weekend.He really hasn’t produced at all in this race and is back thirteenth position, not a debut to remember.There is only 1.3 seconds between Verstappen and Norris, this could be some finish.Copy linkCopiedLap 37/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThis is a good drive from Antonelli today.He became the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix in the process.Now he is lapping quicker than Hamilton and opening the gap.Copy linkCopiedLap 35/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondSurely the tactics for most in Japan will be a one-pit race.With 18 laps remaining, those on the hards should have no issue with tyres needing to be protected at all.Piastri puts in the quickest lap and closes the gap on teammate Norris.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLap 33/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondHamilton heads into the pits and comes back out in seventh.Antonelli is driving well, despite being on mediums he stayed out longer than Hamilton on hards.An unfortunate lock-up from the Ferrari was not what the Brit needed before heading into the pits.Antonelli finally heads into the pits.Copy linkCopiedLap 31/53 – Antonelli leads, Hamilton secondVerstappen has Hamilton in his sights now.He is trying to utilise the grip on those new tyres.The gap is so minimal, Hamilton will slide down the grid pitting, which will be on his mind.Copy linkCopiedLap 29/53 – Antonelli leads, Hamilton secondIt seems the front two are trying to build a lead now.Whether they can make enough of one to pit without losing any places is a big ask.Norris records the fastest lap to close the gap on Verstappen.Copy linkCopied More

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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