Kimi Antonelli has no intention of giving up his spot at the top. The young Italian took his second pole position in a row in Suzuka, proving that his dominance in China was no flash in the pan. Beside him stands teammate George Russell, turning the starting grid into a silver wall on the front row. Mercedes dictates the pace, here in Japan as well.
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Behind them, McLaren beckons. Oscar Piastri qualified third, showing that the papayas have found their rhythm again. Charles Leclerc starts fourth in the Ferrari, followed by Lando Norris in fifth. Lewis Hamilton is frustrated behind them in P6, as there was clearly more in it for the seven-time champion. Pierre Gasly qualified in an impressive seventh place again in the Alpine, a result that underlines his consistent start to the season.
Then the surprise of the day, and not the most pleasant one. Max Verstappen is only eleventh. Eliminated in Q2, while his young teammate Isack Hadjar (in P8) did advance. Gabriel Bortoleto drives Audi to a fine ninth place, while Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls finished tenth, single-handedly knocking Verstappen out of the top ten. This is a bitter pill for the world champion. With his starting problems in previous races fresh in his memory, Sunday threatens to be a long afternoon for the Dutchman.
Read more Preview GP Japan: What can Verstappen hold on to at ‘charging station’ Suzuka?
Oliver Bearman, who had performed so strongly in the Haas this season, is only found back in P18. Cadillac and Aston Martin complete the rear, the now usual suspects on the last two rows. The Japanese Grand Prix starts Sunday at 07.00 Dutch time. Note: daylight saving time starts tonight, so your alarm can go off an hour earlier than you’re used to.
Read more Japanese Grand Prix: Second win in a row for Kimi Antonelli, Verstappen stuck in P8
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