Formula 1, qualifying for the Suzuka Grand Prix: pole position for Verstappen 2nd Piastri and 3rd Norris

Formula 1, qualifying for the Suzuka Grand Prix: pole position for Verstappen 2nd Piastri and 3rd Norris.

The sixteenth grand prix of the season begins on the Suzuka circuit. As always he starts with the qualifications. Q1 lasts 18 minutes and sees all 20 drivers participate. Verstappen and Red Bull take first position ahead of Norris, Leclerc, Lawson, Piastri, Sainz and Perez. Not making the first cut are Bottas, Stroll, Hulkenberg, Zhou and Sargeant.

Q2 lasts 15 minutes and includes the 15 drivers who qualified from Q1. Verstappen immediately takes first position, but then Ferrari arrives at the end and with Leclerc takes the lead. Verstappen remains 2nd, Perez 3rd, Hamilton 4th and Sainz 5th. Lawson, Gasly, Albon, Ocon and Magnussen were excluded from the fight for pole.

Q3 is the last 12-minute session valid for pole position and the 10 drivers attempt to do the lap of their life. Verstappen signs a sensational lap already on the first attempt, giving over 4 tenths to Piastri and Norris, while Perez, 4th, remains at almost 1 and a half seconds. The Ferraris do not take to the track to make the first attempt, but only make one push on the second attempt. The drivers return to the pits to fit a new set of tires and attempt a new assault on the time. Russell improves and climbs to 8th, while the Ferraris finish 4th with Leclerc and 6th with Sainz. Verstappen flies and takes pole position in 1'28”877 ahead of the 2 McLarens of Piastri and Norris. 4th Leclerc, 5th Perez, 6th Sainz, 7th Hamilton, 8th Russell, 9th Tsunoda and 10th Alonso.

“Super Max” scores the 29th pole position of his career, equaling Juan Manuel Fangio. The race is tomorrow at 7am.