The qualifying of the Japanese Grand Prix, according to the preliminary images, did not promise any surprises, it seemed that McLaren brought its duty to Suzuka. But then, out of nowhere, Max Verstappen emerged...
As a result, during Q1, an orange car immediately took the lead, behind it the whole weekend proved to be remarkably strong George Russell, who claimed a place for himself. In the end, Russell's inertia lasted until the end of the stage, so the Briton finished this phase in second place behind Oscar Piastri and ahead of Lando Norris. Among the retired were recorded the names of the two Stakes, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll.
Q2 has arrived, where we have already been able to record an interesting piece of news: the other Red Bull also seemed competitive! Yuki Tsunoda, in fact, was already running in the second session, but due to a mistake he was already out of chance for Q3. So, paradoxically, he went out behind Liam Lawson... At the front, however, nothing special happened, Norris dominated this phase, while Russell and Max Verstappen tried to get closer. The list of retired drivers already mentioned will be completed with the names of Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
The big question of Q3 remained whether Russell, or perhaps Verstappen, could outwit McLaren and steal pole position. After the first few fast laps, this did not seem to be a reality, as Piastri drove confidently ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But we do not know Max Verstappen as someone who does not show how to extract the extra performance. The Dutchman achieved the impossible with an incredible lap and, although only by a hair, overtook the McLarens. So tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix will start from the start with him ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri!
Photo: PlanetF1/Fox Sports
