Four out of four for Max Verstappen. Fifteen days after his retirement in Australia, the three-time reigning F1 world champion reacted in the best possible way so far in Suzuka (Japan) by taking pole position for the fourth time in a row this season. The Dutchman dominated qualifying this Saturday morning (1′28′'197) just ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez (+ 0′'066).
On the second row, we will find Lando Norris (McLaren) and Melbourne winner Carlos Sainz. His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is only 8th. Fernando Alonso completes the starting Top 5. At home, Japanese Racing Bulls Yuki Tsunoda (10th) once again got the better of his teammate Daniel Ricciardo for the fourth time in a row in qualifying.
📻 “I can’t do better.”
Incomprehension for Charles Leclerc in Q3 who qualifies in 8th position 😓#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/tcpN7Xm6a5
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) April 6, 2024
At the back of the pack, like two weeks ago, Esteban Ocon managed to once again climb into Q2 (15th), unlike his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly (17th). The two French drivers benefit for the first time this season from “small upgrades” on their A524 single-seater, supposed to reduce the gap with their direct competitors at the back of the grid. Note the poor performance of Lance Stroll, who remained stuck in Q1 (16th).
The starting grid
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
Daniel Ricciardo (RB)
Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber)
Alexander Albon (Williams)
Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Logan Sargeant (Williams)
Zhou Guanyu (Kick Sauber)