Verstappen Claims Pole Position with Track Record at Japanese Grand Prix
Max Verstappen clinched pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka with a record lap time, just marginally ahead of Lando Norris. This was Verstappen’s first pole of the season as he aims for his first win. Qualifying was marked by driver struggles, including Yuki Tsunoda finishing 15th on his Red Bull debut, while wet weather is expected on race day.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix by breaking the track record at Suzuka with a time of 1 minute 26.983 seconds. This remarkable achievement placed him just 0.012 seconds ahead of the current championship leader, Lando Norris from McLaren, with Oscar Piastri completing the top three finishes.
Verstappen’s qualifying performance saw him establish a new Suzuka track record, capturing the pole position with a fast final lap after consistent improvements throughout the session. He expressed excitement about returning to pole, stating, “Each session we kept making little improvements, then the last lap was flat out.”
In the overall standings, Charles Leclerc from Ferrari qualified fourth, while George Russell from Mercedes took fifth place. Other notable finishers included Kimi Antonelli in sixth, Isack Hadjar in seventh, Lewis Hamilton in eighth, Alex Albon in ninth, and Oliver Bearman in tenth.
Norris, aiming for his second win of the season after his victory in Australia, was pleased with his performance despite being bested by Verstappen. He acknowledged Verstappen’s performance, saying, “Good but not enough,” emphasizing the close competition.
In contrast, Yuki Tsunoda faced disappointment on his Red Bull debut by qualifying 15th, being eliminated in Q2. He finished behind Liam Lawson, who was temporarily replaced earlier and later rejoined the team. Verstappen reported issues with front tire grip during Q1, expressing concerns over the car’s handling.
Several drivers, including Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso, were also eliminated during Qualifying 2. Additionally, Q1 saw drivers like Nico Hulkenberg and Jack Doohan, who had faced repairs following a crash during practice, unable to progress.
Qualifying experienced disruptions from a small trackside fire, prompting an eight-minute suspension. This incident marked the fifth occurrence of similar disruptions throughout the race weekend, with rainy conditions forecasted for the race day.
Max Verstappen’s record-breaking pole lap highlights his competitive edge as he aims for his first win this season. Lando Norris’s close second-place finish reflects McLaren’s strong performance in the early part of the season. Disruptions during qualifying and the varied performances of other drivers underscore the challenges faced in wet conditions ahead of the race. Overall, the qualifying results set the stage for an exciting Grand Prix.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
