Max Verstappen surprised himself with pole position at Japanese Grand Prix

Photo by Mario Renzi - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Defending champion Max Verstappen surprised the field, and himself, with pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix

Friday at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix was a frustrating affair for Max Verstappen. The defending Drivers’ champion finished off the pace of the leaders in both FP1 and FP2, and following Friday’s dual practice sessions he admitted that he lacked the “confidence and commitment” one needs to put in the quality lap to capture pole position in Suzuka.