<p>By just 0.012 seconds, Max Verstappen set a track record and edged Lando Norris on Saturday to secure pole position for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.</p><p>"The last lap was just flat out," said Verstappen, who finished in 1:26.983. "Around here, being on the limit or maybe a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding."</p><p>Norris finished in 1:26.995, just ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri (1:27.027). Norris leads the Formula 1 points standings with 44, eight ahead of Verstappen.</p><p>"Congrats to Max," Norris said. "He did a good job. Hats off as you have to credit when he did a lap that good. I am happy. Max did an amazing lap. For us both to be up there fighting for pole is good, but not enough."</p>.Max Verstappen to become a father.<p>Charles Leclerc of Ferrari will start fourth, ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.</p><p>Isack Hadjar, a rookie with Racing Bulls, notched the seventh spot ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. Williams' Alexander Albon and Haas' Oliver Bearman round out the top 10.</p><p>Verstappen, who said it was "very unexpected" that he would win the pole, expressed concerns over his Red Bull car's handling.</p><p>"I think if you look at how our season started, even during this weekend, I think it's very unexpected," the four-time champion said. "And I think that makes it probably a very special one."</p>
<p>By just 0.012 seconds, Max Verstappen set a track record and edged Lando Norris on Saturday to secure pole position for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.</p><p>"The last lap was just flat out," said Verstappen, who finished in 1:26.983. "Around here, being on the limit or maybe a bit over in places is incredibly rewarding."</p><p>Norris finished in 1:26.995, just ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri (1:27.027). Norris leads the Formula 1 points standings with 44, eight ahead of Verstappen.</p><p>"Congrats to Max," Norris said. "He did a good job. Hats off as you have to credit when he did a lap that good. I am happy. Max did an amazing lap. For us both to be up there fighting for pole is good, but not enough."</p>.Max Verstappen to become a father.<p>Charles Leclerc of Ferrari will start fourth, ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.</p><p>Isack Hadjar, a rookie with Racing Bulls, notched the seventh spot ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. Williams' Alexander Albon and Haas' Oliver Bearman round out the top 10.</p><p>Verstappen, who said it was "very unexpected" that he would win the pole, expressed concerns over his Red Bull car's handling.</p><p>"I think if you look at how our season started, even during this weekend, I think it's very unexpected," the four-time champion said. "And I think that makes it probably a very special one."</p>