Verstappen edges Perez by 0.066s for pole at Suzuka; Norris clinches P3
SUZUKA, Japan — Max Verstappen's dominant streak in the 2024 season continues as he secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The Dutchman will be joined on the front row by his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez.
Verstappen initially set the benchmark with a time of 1m 28.240s during the first Q3 runs, then bettered it to 1m 28.197s on his final attempt. Perez put up a strong fight but ultimately finished 0.066s adrift, securing P2.
Lando Norris secured a commendable third place, while Carlos Sainz, fresh off his Australian victory, locked in P4. Fernando Alonso was the top performer for Aston Martin in P5, just ahead of birthday celebrant Oscar Piastri in P6.
Lewis Hamilton will start from the fourth row alongside future Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, with George Russell in P9—though Russell is under investigation by the stewards for a pit lane incident in Q1. Local favorite Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top 10.
Daniel Ricciardo was edged out in Q2 by his teammate Tsunoda and will start P11. Nico Hulkenberg will join him on the sixth row in P12.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloValtteri Bottas led Kick Sauber in P13, followed by the Williams of Alex Albon. Esteban Ocon claimed P15 in the Alpine, which debuted its first updates of the season.
Q1 delivered a surprise as Lance Stroll was knocked out, resulting in the second Aston Martin driver starting P16. Pierre Gasly's struggles continued, failing to advance to Q2 once more.
Kevin Magnussen could not propel his Haas beyond Q1 and will start P18, while Logan Sargeant in the Williams and Zhou Guanyu in the Kick Sauber concluded the session in P19 and P20, respectively.
Stay tuned for the Japanese Grand Prix as Verstappen aims to extend his championship lead from pole position.
