(Suzuka) Max Verstappen was asked a few days ago if he had any concerns ahead of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. His rear brakes caught fire just two weeks ago in Australia, forcing him to retire on the fourth lap.
“No, no,” he replied.
The Dutchman proved it by clinching the lead position for Red Bull in qualifying on Saturday. He covered the Suzuka track in 1 minute 28.197 seconds, only 66 thousandths ahead of his Mexican teammate Sergio Perez.
Lando Norris (McLaren), Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) will complete the top 5 on the starting grid on Sunday.
PHOTO PHILIP FONG, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
From left to right: Sergio Pérez, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris
Alonso’s Quebec teammate, Lance Stroll, was satisfied with 16the place, being excluded from the first segment of qualifying.
“It was quite close at the end,” Verstappen said of Perez’s performance. [La performance] really depends on the tires. When you really want to go to the limit, it doesn’t always work. »
“The goal is to be in the top position,” he added, seeming not to be completely satisfied. Of course you want every lap to be perfect, but on a track like this that’s not always the case. But overall, it’s a very good day — a good starting position for the race. And of course, it’s the race that counts. »
The three-time reigning world champion is also happy to hog the front row with Perez for Red Bull.
It’s of course great as a team to be in first and second positions, and I hope we can continue this during the race.
Max Verstappen
Verstappen believes Ferrari will pose the biggest threat to Red Bull during Sunday’s race. In Australia, Sainz overtook him in the opening moments, en route to victory.
“Ferrari looks very comfortable,” said Verstappen. Maybe they’re not very fast on a flying lap, but they sure are fast on long stints. »
Verstappen has won 21 of the last 25 races. He has taken the pole position in all four Grands Prix so far and has 36 since the start of his career. He will be looking for a 57e victory.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, at Mercedes, has not won in his last 48 races. His last victory dates back to 2021. He will start from seventh place on Sunday.
The sun was out during qualifying and should be out for the race, according to the weather forecast. While rain often appeared during the last editions held in autumn, the Grand Prix was moved to the start of the season this year.
Japanese Yuki Tsunoda (RB) qualified 10e. He will try to continue his good momentum after taking seventh place in Melbourne.
Consult the starting grid