Max Verstappen will start first in Suzuka, ahead of Oscar Piastri and the British Lando Norris, while Sainz will start sixth and Alonso tenth
The Dutchman Max Verstappen demonstrated incontestable dominance since he landed in Suzuka for the dispute of the Japanese Grand Prix Formula 1 and, after leading the three free practice sessions, he also signed the pole, with a time of 1:28.877, followed by the Australian Oscar Piastri and the british Lando Norris.
The two-time F1 world champion – with the third title that is only a matter of time – has not dropped from first place in all the sessions. Free Practice 1, Free Practice 2, Free Practice 3 and the three qualifying rounds this Saturday. In all first. No pilot could put him in trouble.
A change of situation of 180 degrees compared to what was experienced in Singapore a week ago, when both Red Bulls were left out of Q3 for the first time since Russia 2018.
[Calendario de la temporada de Fórmula 1]
Everything returned to normal as soon as we landed in Japan and Verstappen once again demonstrated why he achieved the greatest record of consecutive victories in F1 history this season. -ten- that broke in Singapore and that, barring a mechanical problem or major error, will resume in Japan.
He signed the pole with a time of 1:28.877 and behind him were both McLarens, which continue to take steps forward in a dazzling evolution that has made them go from starting the season as one of the worst teams to being “the best of the rest.”
[Clasificación del Mundial de Fórmula 1]
In Q1, Lando Norris (McLaren), Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Logan Sargeant (Wlliams) along with Lance Stroll had been eliminated, showing the bitter side of Aston Martin.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), author of the last two pole positions, in Monza and Singapore – in the latter he also won the race – could only be sixth; while Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) will start tenth in this Sunday’s race (7:00 CEST, -2 GMT).
Where to see the Japanese GP classification
Those who are not lucky enough to be able to occupy a place in the stands can always settle for following the excitement of the ‘Great Circus’ on television. Once again, those in charge of broadcasting Formula 1 in Spain are Dazn and Movistar+, who share the broadcast. In principle, none of the grand prizes can be seen openly.
If you don’t have access to these options, you can always follow the races live on our live broadcast.
Formula 1 Japanese GP race schedule
Sunday September 24