The qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, according to preliminary information, did not promise surprises, it seemed that McLaren would fulfill its obligations in Suzuka. But then Max Verstappen appeared out of nowhere...
Accordingly, the orange car took the lead in Q1, with George Russell, who had been very strong all weekend, trying to gain a place for himself. In the end, Russell's energy lasted until the end of the stage, so the British driver finished second behind Oscar Piastre and ahead of Lando Norris. Among the names of the two Stakes, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan and Lance Stroll, appeared among the dropouts.
Q2 could have come, where we could immediately note one interesting thing: the other Red Bull looked competitive too! Yuki Tsunoda had already driven laps in the second phase, but due to a mistake he had no chance in Q3. So paradoxically he dropped out behind Liam Lawson... However, nothing special happened at the front, Norris dominated this phase, Russell and Max Verstappen tried to get closer behind him. The list of the already mentioned dropped drivers will be complete with 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 fool McLaren and steal pole position. After the first few fast laps, it didn't look like it was going to happen, as Piastr was comfortably ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But Max Verstappen is not known for not showing how to squeeze out extra power. The Dutchman achieved the "impossible" with an incredible lap and, if only by a hair, overtook the McLarens. So he can start tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix from the front, ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastr!
Photo: PlanetF1/Fox Sports
