Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen surprisingly secured the pole position for Japan’s Grand Prix and cut back in the duel with the almost overwhelming McLaren.
The Dutchman, who had had major problems in Suzuka, referred Vice World Champion Lando Norris (Great Britain) and Oscar Piatri (Australia/both McLaren). It is Vice of 41. Pole position and the first since the race in Austria in 2024.
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Hamilton in 8th place, Hülkenberg in 16th place
Fourth, Charles Leclerc (Monaco) was in Ferrari, fifth George Russell (Great Britain) ahead of Kimi Antonelli (Italy) in Mercedes. Record world champion Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain/Ferrari) only finished eighth. The Emmerich Nico Hülkenberg had to be satisfied with 16th place, his Brazilian teammate Gabriel Bortoleto took 17th place. The result is “No surprise”said Hülkenberg: “It is difficult to find the harmony. Due to the wind that shot by 180 degrees compared to the previous day, the car is a bit bitchier and more difficult to drive.”
Tsunoda lands in 14th place
Local hero Yuki Tsunoda drove the 15th place in his first qualifying as a red bull pilot. Liam Lawson (New Zealand), who had to clear his cockpit at Red Bull for Tsunoda, was a little faster than the Japanese with his comeback for the Racing Bulls.
The Rookie Jack Doohan, which is under pressure, did not succeed in the hoped -for liberation. The Australian, who had severely damaged his alpine racing car in the second training session in a violent accident, became only 19th and thus missed a good result that would be important for his future in Formula 1. It persists that Alpine wants to replace the 22-year-old with the Argentine Franco Colapinto promptly.