2023-09-23 07:38:00
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka in a superior manner. The Dutchman in the Red Bull will be in first place on the grid in the race on Sunday (7 a.m./ORF 1 and Sky), ahead of the McLaren duo Oscar Piastri (+0.581) and Lando Norris (+0.616), which is more than half a second was slower. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (+0.665) came fourth ahead of Sergio Perez (+0.773) in the second Red Bull.
“A great weekend for us so far. We already felt that it was a good track for us,” said Verstappen. The Austro racing team Red Bull is already seven races before the end of the season on the verge of winning the constructors’ world championship. The Verstappen/Perez duo must score at least one point more than Mercedes on Sunday, while at the same time not losing more than 24 points to Ferrari.
It was Verstappen’s 29th pole position overall, meaning the 25-year-old is still well on his way to his third world title. The Red Bull star can fix this in Qatar in two weeks. In Japan, on the home track of engine partner Honda, Verstappen wants to fight back following he recently failed to get past fifth place on the street circuit in Singapore.
Australian “rookie” Piastri is on the front row of the grid for the first time in Formula 1. “The upgrades are working, we’re really fast and have a chance of getting on the podium. It’s the first time in a while that I’m starting on the front row,” said the 22-year-old. “I’ll try to overtake Max.”
After an accident involving the American Logan Sargeant, Q1 was interrupted for a few minutes. The 22-year-old newcomer, whose Formula 1 future is uncertain, lost control of his Williams at the start of the start-finish straight, spun on the grass and crashed into the barrier. Sargeant was able to get out on his own.
The traditional English racing team has only confirmed Alexander Albon as its regular driver for the coming season. Sargeant has not yet scored a point in his debut season in Formula 1, but he has had several accidents. Mercedes replacement Mick Schumacher and Brazilian Aston Martin reservist Felipe Drugovich are considered possible successors.
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