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.

In a statement on social media, Red Bull confirmed that Iwasa would be taking Verstappen's place for FP1, announcing: "In the RB21 for FP1. @ayumuiwasa_cars will drive Max’s car for the first session of the #BahrainGP weekend."

A t the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix a week ago, McLaren looked to have the dominant package during practice as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns topping the timing sheet

Lando Norris backs himself to go ‘toe to toe’ with F1 world champion Max Verstappen in 2025 - Verstappen’s victory at Suzuka cut Norris’ championship lead to just one point after three races

The superlatives used to describe Max Verstappen’s Japanese Grand Prix performance, where pole position set him up to win the race ahead of the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have flowed in the past two days.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are hoping Ferrari’s upgrades can close the gap to the front of the F1 field