Max Verstappen Claims Pole Position with Track Record in Japan GP

Max Verstappen claimed pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix with a lap record of 1min 26.983sec, beating McLaren’s Lando Norris by 0.012sec. Despite previous struggles this season, he feels this achievement is special but acknowledges ongoing issues. Yuki Tsunoda had a disappointing debut in 15th place, while rain is forecasted for the race, adding intrigue.

Max Verstappen achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the track record and securing pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix, clocking a time of 1min 26.983sec. He narrowly edged out Lando Norris, who is currently leading the championship, by just 0.012sec. Oscar Piastri of McLaren completed the top three, while Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda qualified in 15th place for his debut race with the team.

Despite facing challenges with his car this season, Verstappen delivered a stellar performance in his last qualifying lap at Suzuka, which he described as unexpected. He stated, “If you look at how our season started… it’s very unexpected; I think that makes it a very special one.” However, he remains cautious, acknowledging ongoing issues that need resolution before the race.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc qualified fourth, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Isack Hadjar secured seventh for Red Bull, with Lewis Hamilton eighth and Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman rounding out the top ten. McLaren has had a strong start this season, with both Norris and Piastri achieving victories in previous races.

Norris expressed determination to challenge Verstappen, mentioning the importance of strategy, saying they would “do our homework tonight” to improve their chances. He anticipates an exciting race similar to Melbourne, but recognizes the need for overtaking opportunities.

Tsunoda’s frustrating Q2 exit followed his promotion to Red Bull, where he struggled to adapt, finishing behind temporary teammate Liam Lawson. Despite the disappointment, he noted a growing confidence in understanding the car, albeit recognizing its operational difficulties compared to the previous model.

Qualifying faced minor disruptions due to a small fire along the track, forcing an eight-minute suspension during Q2. The forecast for rain on race day adds another layer of uncertainty. Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by the strong McLaren cars, stating, “So far this season, we have not been able to fight them,” but he remains committed to putting up a fight in the race.

Max Verstappen’s pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix marks a significant achievement, especially after overcoming season-long struggles with his car. The tight competition from McLaren’s Norris and Piastri indicates a thrilling race ahead. Despite qualifying challenges for Tsunoda and others, the upcoming race promises to be exciting, especially with the potential for rainy conditions.

Original Source: www.arabnews.jp