SUZUKA, Japan -- Max Verstappen is back. With only two victories in his last 16 races and in a “mini-slump,” the four-time world champion shocked himself, his Red Bull team and fans by taking pole position for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

For the first time this Formula 1 season, a McLaren will not start on pole position for a Grand Prix. Max Verstappen surprised the grid, and himself, by snatching pole position ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the Japanese Grand Prix.