Verstappen ready for 'good fight' after claiming pole at Japanese Grand Prix

Verstappen's pole lap underlined his champion quality, producing pace from a car which has looked well adrift all weekend.

Max Verstappen is ready for a fight with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Pic: Shuji Kajiyama/AP

Max Verstappen is ready for a fight with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after shocking the McLaren pair to claim pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion had been off the pace throughout the weekend as the dominant McLaren duo combined to top every session, including the first two parts of qualifying.