SUZUKA, Japan: World champion Max Verstappen stunned the McLarens when he claimed a surprise pole for Red Bull in a dramatic qualifying session for the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday.
Verstappen clocked a course record 1 minute 26.995 seconds as he pipped the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by .014 and.044 of a second, respectively, for a first season pole, a fourth straight in Suzuka, and a 41st of his career.
McLaren had won the first two season races from championship leader Norris and Piastri, and had also also dominated all three practice sessions in Suzuka.
McLaren are considered stronger over a full race distance than Red Bull, but possible rain on Sunday could work in Verstappen's favour.
"We tried the best we could to get the best possible balance. It wasn't easy but every session we had little improvements. That made the difference."
"The last lap was just flat out and it is incredibly rewarding. We will look to tomorrow and do our best."
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko named the four-time reigning world champion Verstappen "a phenomenon" in a Sky TV interview, and tea principal Christian Horner spoke of "one of his best laps in qualifying ever."
McLaren hope to bounce back
Norris, who won in Australia and came second behind Piastri in China,said: "Congrats to Max. He did a good job. It's hats off. You have to credit something when it's a lap that good that he must have done.
"I feel I got everything out of the car. Just a tiny [margin] but Max did an amazing lap. For both of us to be up there is good, but it's not enough.
"It will be an exciting race. We want to get past Max but he will put up a good fight but I've been there before so I'm excited for it ...No-one knows what the weather will do tomorrow. It will be a good race. I am excited for it."
McLaren will hope to make amends on Sunday which is also Piastri's24th birthday.
"I think it is still all to play for in the race," Piastri said. ""We have a great car, we have good pace, but the other teams are not as far away as people think.
Difficult session for Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda meanwhile missed Q3 in 15th place in his debut for Red Bull after being promoted from sister team Visa RB, at the expense of Liam Lawson who was demoted the other way after a poor season start but was marginally faster in 14th for Visa RB.
"I think he could comfortably have made the top 10 today but he can still race well tomorrow. He has done very well," Horner told Sky in reference to Tsunoda's showing.
Tsunoda said: "It's quite difficult to operate this car properly,it's more narrow than the Racing Bulls' car, but at least I feel confidence in the car and I know what to do in the future." — dpa
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