Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen took first place in the Japanese Grand Prix, ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. On Saturday, the Dutchman raced to pole on the grid for the fourth race of the season on Sunday (7am CET/ORF 1, Sky) at Suzuka, 0.066 seconds ahead of the Mexican. British McLaren driver Lando Norris (+0.292) came in third place, ahead of Melbourne winner Carlos Sainz (+0.485) in a Ferrari.
Verstappen, who recently withdrew early from the Australian Grand Prix due to a brake fault, was able to celebrate the 36th pole position of his career, the fourth this season. Red Bull celebrated the 99th pole in the history of the Austrian-British racing team.
At Suzuka International Raceway, where top-tier competitions will be held for the first time in April and not as usual in the second half of the season, conditions were excellent again, in contrast to the rainy second practice session on Friday. None of the top teams suffered any stumble, with the exception of Lance Stroll (16th) in an Aston Martin, as everyone confidently reached the third qualifying section. The Alps are still in crisis with the Frenchmen Esteban Ocon (15) and Pierre Gasly (17).
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