The qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, according to the preliminary image, did not promise any surprises, it seemed that McLaren would bring the expected result in Suzuka as well. But then, out of nowhere, Max Verstappen appeared...
As a result, during Q1, an orange car immediately took the lead, behind it George Russell, who had been visibly strong all weekend, claimed a place for himself. In the end, Russell's momentum held until the end of the stage, so that the Briton ended this stage in second place, behind Oscar Piastri and ahead of Lando Norris. Among those eliminated were the two Stakes, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll.
It was Q2, where we could immediately note an interesting aspect: the other Red Bull also looked competitive! Yuki Tsunoda had already completed the laps in the second stage, but due to an error he had no chance for Q3. Thus, paradoxically, he was eliminated behind Liam Lawson... On the other hand, nothing special happened at the top, Norris dominated this stage, behind him Russell and Max Verstappen struggled to get closer. The list of those eliminated, mentioned earlier, will be completed with the names of Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
The only big question in Q3 remained whether Russell or perhaps Verstappen would manage to outwit McLaren and steal pole. After the first few fast laps, this didn’t seem like a possibility, as Piastri was confidently leading ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But we don’t know Max Verstappen as someone who doesn’t know how to squeeze the extra performance. The Dutchman put in an incredible lap and did the “impossible”, and, if only by a hair, managed to overtake the McLarens. Thus, he will start tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix from the front, ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri!
Photo: PlanetF1/Fox Sports
