The qualification for the Japanese Grand Prix did not promise surprises based on the preliminary picture; it seemed that McLaren would deliver as expected in Suzuka. But then, out of nowhere, Max Verstappen emerged...
Accordingly, during Q1, an orange car immediately took the lead, with George Russell, who had been notably strong throughout the weekend, demanding his place behind. Ultimately, Russell's momentum lasted until the end of the session, allowing him to finish in second place behind Oscar Piastri and ahead of Lando Norris. The names of the two eliminated drivers, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan, and Lance Stroll, were recorded.
Then came Q2, where we could already note an interesting fact: the other Red Bull also seemed competitive! Yuki Tsunoda was already clocking laps in the second session, but due to a mistake, he was out of contention for Q3. Thus, paradoxically, he fell behind Liam Lawson... However, nothing special happened at the front; Norris dominated this session, with Russell and Max Verstappen trying to catch up behind him. The list of eliminated drivers mentioned earlier will be completed by Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso.
The only big question in Q3 remained whether Russell or possibly Verstappen could outsmart McLaren and steal the pole position. After the first fast laps, this did not seem realistic, as Piastri was confidently leading ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But we do not know Max Verstappen as someone who does not show how to pull out extra performance. The Dutchman achieved the "impossible" with an incredible lap, and even if only by a hair's breadth, he outpaced 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
