Max Verstappen and team boss Christian Horner: Red Bull has a good laugh. © APA/afp / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

Verstappen with superior pole position in Suzuka

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka in a superior manner.

September 23, 2023

From: apa/sn

The Dutchman in the Red Bull will be in first place on the grid in Sunday's race (7 a.m. CEST), ahead of the McLaren duo Oscar Piastri (+0,581) and Lando Norris (+0,616), who were more than half a second slower. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (+0,665) came fourth ahead of Sergio Perez (+0,773) in the second Red Bull.

“A great weekend for us so far. We already felt that it was a good track for us,” said Verstappen. Red Bull is already on the verge of winning the constructors' world championship with seven races to go before the end of the season. The Verstappen/Perez duo must score at least one point more than Mercedes on Sunday, while at the same time not losing more than 24 points to Ferrari.

It was Verstappen's 29th pole position overall, meaning the 25-year-old is still well on his way to his third world title. The Red Bull star can fix this in Qatar in two weeks. In Japan, on the home track of engine partner Honda, Verstappen wants to fight back after he recently failed to get past fifth place on the street circuit in Singapore.

Premiere: Piastri on the front row

The Australian “rookie” Piastri is on the front row of the grid for the first time in Formula 1. “The upgrades are working, we are really fast and have a chance of getting on the podium. It’s the first time in a long time that I’m starting in the front row,” said the 22-year-old. "I'll try to overtake Max."

Oscar Piastri finished second in the McLaren. © APA/afp / PETER PARKS

After an accident involving the American Logan Sargeant, Q1 was interrupted for a few minutes. The 22-year-old newcomer, whose Formula 1 future is uncertain, lost control of his Williams at the start of the start-finish straight, spun on the grass and crashed into the barrier. Sargeant was able to get out on his own.

The traditional English racing team has only confirmed Alexander Albon as its regular driver for the coming season. Sargeant has not yet scored a point in his debut season in Formula 1, but he has had several accidents. Mercedes replacement Mick Schumacher and Brazilian Aston Martin reservist Felipe Drugovich are considered possible successors.