Formula 1 is back this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, with Max Verstappen looking to defend his title.

SUZUKA, Japan -- Max Verstappen is back. With only two victories in his last 16 races and in a “mini-slump,” the four-time world champion shocked himself, his Red Bull team and fans by taking pole position for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

Ferrari have not won in Japan since Michael Schumacher triumphed in 2004. Ferrari has made its worst start to a season in 14 years and qualifying didn't go to plan for Lewis Hamilton yesterday as he finished eighth. "It was a challenging Saturday for us," he said.

Harry Benjamin and British racing driver Alice Powell react to qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix.

World champion Max Verstappen claimed a pole to flag victory for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, winning his first race of the Formula One season and an unprecedented fourth in a row at Suzuka.

Max Verstappen wins the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris with a superb drive from pole, as Kimi Antonelli breaks two records

Japanese Grand Prix may not have been an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it did remind us about the sport's fickle nature

The race will take place this Sunday — here's how Formula 1 fans can catch all the fast, early-morning action.

RB driver Yuki Tsunoda of Japan steers his car during the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix race at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) AP There is plenty of drama and storylines this weekend, as Formula 1 returns to what is hopefully an entertaining edition of the Japanese Grand Prix.