Verstappen takes pole for Sunday's F1 Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Norris and Piastri

Max Verstappen is back and in pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix

SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Max Verstappen is back.

If Verstappen was positively surprised, the British Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) seems to have taken a step back after winning the sprint race in the previous race, in China.

Verstappen: Japan pole was 'very unexpected'

Max Verstappen described his pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix as "very unexpected" after he defied the odds to beat the two McLaren drivers to the fastest time in qualifying.

Max Verstappen grabs surprise pole with blistering lap

With all eyes on McLaren, Max Verstappen has dropped an “insane” lap to grab pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Formula 1 world champion is just ahead of the favourite McLaren duo with a record track record. Rain is on demand for the race day. "These are actually conditions that speak for verstappen.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) will start from pole position in the third round of the Formula 1 season at the Suzuka circuit in Japan.