GP Qualifying: Verstappen edges Perez for pole in Suzuka as Norris secures P3

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

SUZUKA, Japan -- Max Verstappen continues his dominating form in 2024, securing pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. The Dutchman delivered a blistering lap of 1m 28.197s, narrowly outpacing his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, by just 0.066 seconds.

Check out the results of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

Verstappen initially set the fastest time with a 1m 28.240s during the first Q3 runs. Despite a valiant effort from Perez, the Mexican driver couldn’t surpass Verstappen’s improved final lap.

Lando Norris secured P3, followed closely by Carlos Sainz in P4, coming off a victory in Australia. Fernando Alonso emerged as the lead Aston Martin in P5, with Oscar Piastri marking his birthday with a P6 finish.

Lewis Hamilton and future Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc will occupy the fourth row, while George Russell, under investigation for a Q1 pit lane incident, starts ninth. Yuki Tsunoda thrilled the home crowd by rounding out the top 10.

Daniel Ricciardo will start P11 after being pushed into the drop zone by Tsunoda in Q2. Nico Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon, and Esteban Ocon will start in P12, P13, P14, and P15, respectively. Ocon’s team introduced their first updates of the season this weekend.

Lance Stroll’s surprise Q1 exit landed him in P16. Pierre Gasly, Kevin Magnussen, Logan Sargeant, and Zhou Guanyu rounded out the grid in P17, P18, P19, and P20.

This qualifying session sets the stage for an exciting race, with Verstappen aiming to convert yet another pole into victory.

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