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Max Verstappen is a driver of facts. Of blows on the table. The Dutchman, with a car far from being among the top three on the Formula 1 grid, set a Pole Position for the history books in the Japanese Grand Prix. The 1:26.983, a record for the legendary Suzuka track, was a blow to the table. The never to be discounted. To keep counting on the four-time champion in the battle for the title. Only eight (36) points separate him from leader Lando Norris (44).
In Japan, Max put on another exhibition that transcends the result. As he did at Interlagos 2023, with that pole while the storm was brewing over the Sao Paulo circuit. Or the incomplete lap at Jeddah 2021, with the best pole ever unfinished and which almost cost him his first crown in that mythical duel against Lewis Hamilton and an atomic Mercedes. That's how good he is.
There is no other driver who can drive like that and reach the top. It was a magical moment
Verstappen did something unique. "Only he can do it," explained Fernando Alonso, with whom he has a very good relationship. The Spaniard was almost like any other fan, as he was amazed by Max. "There is no other driver who can drive like that and reach the top. It was a magical moment," analysed the Spaniard. The lap was a marvel, which even the number one on the grid could not explain. "If you want to drive the car, come and take a lap. You're going to shit your pants," he joked at the press conference.
If you want to drive the car, come and take a ride. You're going to shit your pants
The Dutchman was solid, did not fail and stood out with a very complicated RB-21 every time he managed to rotate it and get into the right line. He was not the best in any sector, as Norris led the way in the first (with a lot of gas) and Piastri in the remaining two. But it was enough for him to be the best overall. With very little margin over the Briton's 26.995 and the Australian's 27.027.
An exhibition. This provokes his fourth consecutive pole at Suzuka, something that only Sebastian Vettel (between 2009 and 2012) and Michael Schumacher (all between 1998 and 2002) achieved. And it keeps his special place in Formula 1. He promises war for the race.