Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix did not promise any surprises based on the preliminary photos, it seemed that McLaren in Suzuka would also meet expectations. But then Max Verstappen appeared out of nowhere...
As a result, the orange car immediately took the lead in Q1, followed by George Russell, who had been exceptionally strong all weekend, demanding a place for himself. Ultimately, Russell's momentum held until the end of the stage, and the Briton finished the segment in second place, behind Oscar Piastri and ahead of Lando Norris. Among the names eliminated were two Stake, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll.
Q2 came, where we could immediately note an interesting fact: the second Red Bull also seemed competitive! Yuki Tsunoda was already circling the track in the second stage, but due to an error he had no chance for Q3. In this way, in a paradoxical way, he was eliminated behind Liam Lawson... However, nothing special happened in the leading position, Norris dominated this stage, behind him Russell and Max Verstappen tried to get closer. The list of previously mentioned eliminated will be supplemented by the names of Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
The only big question in Q3 was whether Russell or maybe Verstappen could outsmart McLaren and steal the field. After the first few fast laps, it didn’t seem likely, as Piastri confidently led ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But Max Verstappen is not known for not showing how to extract extra power. The Dutchman achieved the “impossible” with an incredible lap and, albeit by a hair, overtook the McLarens. So he will start tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix from pole position ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri!
Photo: PlanetF1/ Fox Sports
