Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix didn't look like it would bring any surprises, with McLaren looking like they would do their duty in Suzuka. But then Max Verstappen appeared out of nowhere...
Accordingly, the orange car immediately led during Q1, with George Russell, who had been very strong all weekend, trying to gain his place. In the end, Russell's energy held out until the end of the stage, so the British driver finished second behind Oscar Piastre and ahead of Lando Norris. Among the dropouts were two Stakes, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll.
Q2 came, where we could note an interesting fact: even the second Red Bull looked competitive! Yuki Tsunoda was already circling in the second phase, but due to a mistake he had no chance in Q3. So paradoxically he dropped out behind Liam Lawson... But nothing special happened at the front, Norris dominated this phase, Russell and Max Verstappen tried to catch up with him. The list of those dropped out, already mentioned, was supplemented by the names of Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
One big question left in Q3 was whether Russell, or perhaps Verstappen, would be able to trouble McLaren and steal pole position. After the first few fast laps, it didn't look like a reality, as Piasti was confidently leading ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But Max Verstappen is not known for not showing how to squeeze extra power. The Dutchman put in an incredible lap and the "impossible" became a reality, albeit by a hair, overtaking the McLarens. So he will start the Japanese Grand Prix tomorrow from pole position ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piasti!
Photo: PlanetF1/Fox Sports
