The Suzuka GP has just taken place qualifying for the Japanese GPOn the figure-8 shaped track, the only one in Formula 1, McLaren confirms its position as the car to beat, but Max Verstappen manages to find the right formula to snatch pole position from them. Max Verstappen with 1:26:983, Lando Norris e Oscar piastri to follow, complete the provisional podium of the Japanese GP.
Japanese GP Qualifying, Q1 and Q2
McLaren The qualifying session begins as a pair, despite the opponents' times being close, confirming that they are a compact team and concrete drivers determined to bring home a provisional one-two to then consolidate in the race.
Yuki tsunoda It also amazes after the Free tests, managing to lap with top 10 times, despite this being his first GP in Red BullChasing the papaya team, at least for Q1, is the red one. Charles Leclerc e Lewis Hamilton they seem to be able to lap in times close to the top positions, placing themselves as the second force. Q3 fails to consolidate this achievement.
Already in Q2, Lando Norris falls below the track record he set with the 2019 pole. Carlos Sainz impedes Hamilton and risks 3 grid positions. Alex Albon manages to bring Williams into Q3, unlike his teammate.
Excellent qualification for Oliver Bearman who takes his Haas straight into Q3.
- eliminated of before purchasing, e second session in order (11-20): P. Gasly, C. Sainz, F. Alonso, L. Lawson, Y. Tsunoda, N. Hulkenberg, G. Bortoleto, E. Ocon, J. Doohan, L. Stroll.
Q3, Max and the 41st career pole
After a pole position fight at home McLaren and Norris e Piastres on every lap of the track, improving with each performance. Norris' provisional pole was 1:26:995, Verstappen then steals the first position from the British in the final minutes by 12 thousandths. For Max it is the 41st pole of his career and the 4th in Suzuka. His last pole was in Great Britain last season
Divisive the Ferrari who conquers the second row with Charles Leclerc in P4, Lewis Hamilton only P8. Great qualifying for the rookies Antonelli (P6), Hadjar (P7) e Bearman (P10).
