RB driver Yuki Tsunoda of Japan steers his car during the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix race at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) AP There is plenty of drama and storylines this weekend, as Formula 1 returns to what is hopefully an entertaining edition of the Japanese Grand Prix.

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.

A “magical” final lap from Max Verstappen propelled the Red Bull driver to pole position for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, knocking the much-fancied McLarens off top spot, much to everyone’s surprise.

Max Verstappen said his final lap in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix was "insane" after he wrestled his problematic Red Bull around the track to snatch pole position from McLaren's Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen did something really special to take pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix but he faces a challenge to keep the McLarens behind.

Max Verstappen claims Red Bull's issues can be masked on low fuel runs and describes his pole lap for the Japanese Grand Prix as 'hoping it would stick'. "I think that issue was a lot better today," said Verstappen during the post qualifying press conference regarding the "flexing" issue he reported during FP2.

Lewis Hamilton said Red Bull's decision to swap Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races shows the unfair pressure placed on young drivers in Formula 1 today.

Liam Lawson has had an encouraging start to his latest Formula 1 stint with Racing Bulls at the Japanese Grand Prix

Liam Lawson said Thursday he was determined to prove he belongs in Formula One following what he called the “tough” surprise of being axed by Red Bull after just two races. The New Zealander was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda starting at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix following a disastrous start that saw him fail to score any points.

Yuki Tsunoda said he felt "very sad" after his qualifying debut with Red Bull unraveled on Saturday, leaving him 15th on the grid for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

By Nick Mulvenney SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) -Championship leader Lando Norris topped the times for McLaren in first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday as Yuki Tsunoda impressed on his Red Bull debut with the sixth fastest lap at the Suzuka circuit.

Yuki Tsunoda makes a promising start to his Red Bull career in first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing sixth.