Max Verstappen claims pole for Japanese Grand Prix as he bids to wrap up title

EASTERN PROMISE: Max Verstappen took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix. (Eugene Hoshiko/AP)

Formula One world champion-elect Max Verstappen survived being hauled in front of the stewards to start Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix on pole position after causing a near-miss with the McLaren of Lando Norris during qualifying.

Verstappen hit out at Lando Norris after they narrowly avoided a collision but it was the Dutchman who was later reprimanded for the incident.