Max Verstappen claimed a "very special" pole for the Japanese Grand Prix after edging out Lando Norris in qualifying.

The four-time world champion will start at the front of the grid in Suzuka for a fourth successive year, ahead of Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The McLaren pair had kept clear of Verstappen for much of the running, but the Dutchman produced a superb final lap to pinch pole from Norris by 0.012 seconds.

"We tried the best we could to get the best possible balance with the car," Verstappen said.

"It wasn't easy. Every session, we kept making little improvements, and then the last lap was just flat out.

"Around here, being on the limit, or maybe just a little bit over the limit in places, is incredibly rewarding.

"It's insane, an F1 car around here is unbelievable. With the new tarmac, it gives you more grip, and you have to commit even harder.

"I was fully committed on the final lap. At points, [I was] not sure if I was going to keep it [on the track]. If you look at how our season started, even this weekend, it is very unexpected and that makes it a very special one."

MAX VERSTAPPEN IS ON POLE!!

Q3 comes to an end with an impressive lap from Verstappen clinching first position from Lando Norris!#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/c11rIwyDQ4

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2025

Despite officials dousing the grass with water beforehand, the second part of qualifying was halted for six minutes after a fifth fire of the weekend broke out on the 130R corner exit.

It was then a quickfire final lap from Verstappen that clinched his place at the front of the grid and, despite missing out, Norris could only applaud his rival's efforts.

"Max did an amazing lap," the drivers' championship leader said. 

"I'm happy because I feel like I got everything out of the car today. My lap was very good. We were on the limit of what we had, but we just didn't have enough today."

Meanwhile, Norris' McLaren team-mate Piastri, who led the way after second practice, was left to wonder what might have been.

"The last lap just didn't quite come together as I wanted," the Australian said. "[These are] incredibly tight margins, and still all to play for tomorrow. Just a little bit left on the table."

TOP 10

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Lando Norris (McLaren)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

6. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

7. Isack Hadjar (RB)

8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

9. Alex Albon (Williams)

10. Oliver Bearman (Haas)