Max Verstappen has stated he `won`t make it easy` for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Japanese Grand Prix, with rain being a possible factor at Suzuka.
Verstappen surprisingly secured pole position, his first in over nine months, after McLaren showed strong pace in practice.
Norris and Piastri each have a win from the first two races, and Norris currently leads the championship, with Verstappen eight points behind.
`Even with a good start, it will be challenging for us,` Verstappen told F1 media.
`Our race pace hasn`t been optimal recently, and pole position doesn`t guarantee a win. However, I won`t make it easy for them. I`m aiming to win. We need to see what the weather does, and hopefully, it will be an exciting race.`
McLaren is expected to have better race pace but will need to overtake Verstappen on track or use strategy if they don`t get ahead at the start.
Suzuka Circuit is known for being difficult to overtake on, with only one DRS zone on the main straight. Following closely through the fast corners in the first sector is also challenging, making track position crucial.
In the Australian Grand Prix, McLaren opened a significant 20-second gap on Verstappen before safety cars closed the field.
In China, Verstappen was 16 seconds behind Piastri, losing time on medium tyres in the first stint but maintaining the gap on hard tyres.
`Winning will be tough, but I`ll give it my best,` Verstappen added.
`We haven`t been able to compete with them this season so far, but we are not giving up. We are trying our best and will fight hard tomorrow if possible.`
`Ultimately, it`s a long championship, and consistent points scoring is essential. Starting at the front is a good start, and we`ll see what happens.`
Japanese GP: Top 10 Starting Grid
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Lando Norris, McLaren
3) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
4) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
5) George Russell, Mercedes
6) Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
7) Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
8) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
9) Alex Albon, Williams
10) Oliver Bearman, Haas
Norris `excited` for Verstappen battle
Verstappen has been less aggressive in battles this season compared to his duels with Norris in 2024.
He seems to be prioritizing points, as seen in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint where he appeared to yield to Piastri to maximize his points.
This strategy could see Verstappen lead the championship with a win on Sunday, despite McLaren`s car potentially having an advantage.
Norris impressed in wet conditions in Australia, holding off Verstappen, and may need to repeat that performance to win.
`I`m excited for a battle with Max. We had many last year, and I`m looking forward to more tomorrow,` Norris said.
`The weather is uncertain, which is the main question. It could be like Melbourne, an exciting race for the fans but tense for us.`
Piastri, turning 24 on Sunday, said: `I think we have good pace. The others might be closer than perceived. Engine modes can be deceiving.`
`The plan is to gain two positions from my start. Beyond that, we`ll see.`
Will rain cause mayhem in Suzuka?
Rain, as seen in the Australian Grand Prix, could lead to mistakes on this challenging circuit with the current cars.
Several rookies crashed in Australia, and even Fernando Alonso spun.
The forecast predicts heavy rain in Suzuka morning, easing before the 3 pm local time race start (6 am UK time).
A wet start is likely, promising a dramatic first corner. Officials hope the rain will also prevent further grass fires after five incidents during qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton, starting eighth, hopes for rain to improve his position.
`I love racing in the rain, so I hope it comes after qualifying,` he said.
Charles Leclerc starts fourth but may struggle to win in dry conditions, while George Russell and Kimi Antonelli aim for a podium from fifth and sixth.
Local driver Yuki Tsunoda will try to move up from 14th in his first home Grand Prix for Red Bull.
