It was a qualification in which Max Verstappen returned to make his voice heard, taking the front row of the Japanese GP. Behind him the two McLarens with Piastres e Norris that for tomorrow's race, if they really want to reach the podium in Suzuka, they will have a big goal to accomplish: defend himself from Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque has indeed conquered the fourth position, qualifying – for the first time after the summer break – ahead of his teammate Sainz, sixth.
Leclerc, no penalty for him
"I gave everything I had”, declared the Monegasque after qualifying, giving the idea that more than a fourth position with this one Ferrari it couldn't be done. The news, however, does not end here: Leclerc, in fact, together with the two Alfa Romeo drivers, Zhou and Bottas, he was under investigation for violating the time limit rule on the exit lap during Q1. Unlike other situations, this time the FIA decision was not long in coming: no further action necessary. In fact, none of the three drivers were penalized.
Leclerc without penalties: fighting for the podium in Suzuka?
Leclerc, therefore, without this penalty, will have the great opportunity to reach the podium in Suzuka and try to finish ahead of your teammate. However, despite the non-penalty, it will be much more difficult for the two Alfa drivers - who will start in sixteenth and nineteenth position - to try to gain some positions, trying to reach a very complicated points zone. Will they all be possible objectives? Word to the track with the race scheduled at 07.00.
