‘That was one of his best laps in Qualifying ever’ – Christian Horner lauds Max Verstappen’s incredible Suzuka pole success

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 shortly after the reigning champion had crossed the line, Red Bull boss Horner said: “Unbelievable. We did not expect that and, about Max, what can you say? Just an outstanding lap. He’s extracted every ounce of performance.

“He and his engineering team were working on the preparation and getting his tyres in exactly the right window, and I think he’s got the most out of it today.

“Getting that pole position was completely against the run of form that we’ve been seeing. A massive result for him and a big lift for the team.”

FACTS AND STATS: Verstappen becomes the season’s fourth different polesitter as he sets new Suzuka lap record

While Verstappen was able to unlock session-topping pace, new team mate Yuki Tsunoda struggled, with a pair of errors early in his Q2 lap leaving him 15th fastest – although he will start the Japanese Grand Prix 14th after Carlos Sainz was handed a three-place penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton.

Before showing a stunning turn of pace, however, Verstappen had also been having issues with the RB21, describing it as “undriveable” at one point.