World champion Max Verstappen has created the best conditions for his premature title defense in Formula 1.
The Dutchman secured pole position on Saturday (October 8th, 2022) before the Japanese Grand Prix in 1:29.304 minutes and will be the favorite in the race on Sunday (7 a.m. in the live ticker on sportschau.de).
In Suzuka, the 25-year-old Red Bull driver pushed the two Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz into second and third place. Verstappen starts from the front for the fifth time this year.
Vettel ninth
Former world champion Sebastian Vettel drove his Aston Martin to ninth place. Mick Schumacher only managed 15th place after his training accident on Friday.
If Verstappen wins the Grand Prix and also turns the fastest race lap, he becomes champion for the second time in a row. It can also achieve its second title in other constellations, Verstappen only has to get eight points more than Leclerc and six more than teammate Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.
Before the 18th of 22 races of the season, Verstappen leads Leclerc with 104 points. After the Grand Prix, he would need a 112-point lead. Otherwise the decision will be postponed to the next race in the USA.