P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen blows away rivals with stunning Japan pole ahead of McLarens
The reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, delivered two impressive laps in qualifying, securing pole position for the ninth time this season. Verstappen finished 0.581s ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, highlighting his dominance throughout the weekend. Piastri achieved his best qualifying result of the season, outperforming his teammate Lando Norris, who took third place. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the top four. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez struggled and could only manage fifth, trailing Verstappen by a significant 0.773s. Lewis Hamilton ended his qualifying losing streak against Mercedes teammate George Russell, securing seventh place alongside Russell in eighth. Yuki Tsunoda secured ninth for his home race, while Fernando Alonso rounded out the top ten. Unfortunately, under-pressure driver Logan Sargeant crashed out on his first lap, placing him at the back of the grid for Sunday’s race.
Source: Crash
