Max Verstappen could not find "the right word in English" to describe his emotions after his 2026 struggles continued in Japanese Grand Prix qualifying.

The Red Bull driver, who has won the last four editions of the Japanese Grand Prix, qualified in 11th for Sunday's race after a disappointing Q2 exit.

Verstappen failed to finish in the top five in the first two races of the year (sixth in Australia and retired in China) for the fourth time in Formula One (also 2015, 2016 and 2018), three of which were during his first four years in the competition.

The Dutchman has been vocal about his thoughts on the new Formula One regulations, likening it to "Mario Kart" and "Formula E on steroids", and his feelings on the matter have not changed.

"You know how I think about a lot of stuff, right?" Verstappen said. "I don't need to mention it again. So there's a lot of stuff for me to personally figure out.

"I'm not even frustrated any more. I'm beyond that. I don't know the right word in English for it. I don't know what to make of it, to be honest.

"I don't even know. There's probably no word. I don't get upset about it. I don't get disappointed or frustrated by it any more, with what's going on.

"It's a lot of stuff together that at the moment is just not as nice for me."

Mercedes secured another front-row lockout with Kimi Antonelli taking pole in Japan, while reigning champion Lando Norris will start the race from fifth.

The McLaren driver believes there have been some positive changes to the sport, though he misses the pace he had last year.

"It still hurts your soul when you see your speed dropping so much, 56km/h down the straight," said Norris.

"It still feels special. It still feels like it's an on-edge lap and you're taking risks here and there and so forth. Does it feel as amazing as last year? No, I don't think any track will.

"The car is better to follow, better to race. You can race better and closer and it's more exciting. The problem is the stuff that makes you go faster."