F1 Japanese Grand Prix yielded an unexpected outcome, with the underdog Max Verstappen steering the intricate Red Bull RB21 to pole position and clinch

McLaren remains the team to beat in Formula 1, but Max Verstappen’s victorious drive for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix Sunday proves only excellence is good enough. 2nd and 3rd placed Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri still have the fastest all-round car for McLaren on the F1 grid.

For the first time this Formula 1 season, a McLaren will not start on pole position for a Grand Prix.