Verstappen outpaces Norris by 0.012 seconds to claim pole in thrilling Japanese GP qualifying
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
Max Verstappen delivered a thrilling performance to secure a surprise pole position in the Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying session. The reigning World Champion outpaced the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a dramatic finish to clinch the top spot.
During the initial stages, Piastri and Norris showcased their prowess, leading Q1 and Q2 respectively. Piastri initially topped the timesheets in the top-10 shootout, only to be surpassed by Norris, who appeared poised to secure pole as the session drew to a close. However, Verstappen delivered a lightning-quick lap of 1m 26.983s in the final moments, edging out Norris by a mere 0.012 seconds. Piastri ultimately settled for third place.
Charles Leclerc spearheaded Ferrari's effort with a commendable fourth position, while George Russell claimed fifth for Mercedes despite encountering difficulties on his flying lap. George's teammate, rookie Kimi Antonelli, secured an impressive sixth position. Another notable rookie performance came from Isack Hadjar, who took seventh place for Racing Bulls.
Lewis Hamilton managed to clinch eighth place in his Ferrari, positioned just ahead of Williams' Alex Albon and the Haas of Ollie Bearman, who rounded out the top ten.
In a surprising turn of events, Yuki Tsunoda exited in Q2, finishing in 15th place during his debut Qualifying for Red Bull. Tsunoda was outperformed by Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced, who took 14th for Racing Bulls. Other drivers who failed to progress to the top-10 shootout included Pierre Gasly in 11th for Alpine and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who finished 13th. Williams' Carlos Sainz originally placed 12th but will face a three-place grid penalty after he was adjudged to have impeded Hamilton in Q2.
The Kick Sauber team saw Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto finish in 16th and 17th respectively, followed by Haas' Esteban Ocon in 18th place. Alpine's Jack Doohan struggled throughout the weekend, ending the session in 19th position. Lance Stroll completed the standings in 20th after an off-track excursion in his Aston Martin.
Overall, the Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying session was filled with intense competition and dramatic turns, setting the stage for an exciting race ahead.
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