McLaren driver Oscar Piastri says he wasn’t surprised to see Max Verstappen qualify for Red Bull in the pole position for Japan’s Grand Prix in Formula 1.
McLaren gave a dominant performance in the opening two rounds of the season in Australia and China, and was a complete favorite in Saturday’s qualifying round at Suzuka.
And while both Piastri and teammate Rand Norris looked quick in the third quarter, they had to admit their defeat to the fast-charging Verstappen.
Japan’s Red Bull pole position seemed unlikely as Verstappen himself complained about the car’s characteristics on multiple occasions, as RB21 was difficult and cumbersome to drive in 2025.
However, for Piastri, who ultimately qualified third, Dutchman’s performance in qualifying was not entirely unexpected.
“I don’t think other people are as far as people think,” he said. “I never know engine modes or anything like that.
“It was pretty tight this morning, and that’s not a big surprise. I think Max clearly did an amazing job riding the pole.
“I think we still have a great car for tomorrow.
Norris also praised Verstappen for breaking the rap record at the newly-supported Suzuka, but was pleased to qualify for the front row.
“I’m happy,” he said. “Congratulations to Max, he did a good job, he put on a hat. You’ll start to trust something when it’s that good rap he had to do.
“I’m happy today because I feel like I’ve got everything out of the car. (margin), it’s just small. Maybe there was a lot of it? Yes, but Max did a great rap.
“We’re happy that both of us are there and fighting for Paul. That’s good, but not enough.”