HomeSportsMax Takes Pole Position In Japan But Faces Noris Investigation

Max Takes Pole Position In Japan But Faces Noris Investigation

Max Verstappen edged Charles Leclerc by 0.010s but has been summoned to stewards for turning in on Lando Norris. Carlos Sainz came third, Esteban Ocon fifth ahead of the Mercedes.

Max Verstappen edged Charles Leclerc by 0.010s but has been summoned to stewards for turning in on Lando Norris. Carlos Sainz came third so Esteban Ocon took fifth ahead of the Mercedes.

Verstappen pipped Leclerc for pole position in a fascinatingly close qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Although the world champion in-waiting, he risks losing it after being summoned.

Verstappen can seal his second crown on Sunday at Suzuka by outscoring Leclerc by eight points.

Norris was speeding past at the high-speed 130R corner and had to take to the grass. He took to the grass so as to avoid the swerving Red Bull driver warming up his tyres. But Verstappen raised his hand to apologise, but will have to explain his case.

F1 Japanese Grand Prix Circuit in Suzuka.

The investigation, could hand Leclerc the pole position, after a competitive shootout, where Verstappen appeared the favourite throughout.

But Leclerc finished agonisingly off Verstappen, with team-mate Carlos Sainz also within a tenth. And though, Verstappen did not improve on his final lap but he still took pole with a 1:29.304.

Sergio Perez was fourth in the other Red Bull and Esteban Ocon beat both Mercedes drivers.

Lewis Hamilton was the lead Silver Arrow in sixth but George Russell only ended in eighth. Their Mercedes team was down on top speed and failed to replicate their pace from Friday. This terrible situation for Mercedes could be back for Sunday’s race.

Norris, miffed about Verstappen’s actions as he finished behind Sebastian Vettel on an impressive last appearance at his favourite track.



Japanese GP Qualifying Results
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull*
2) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
3) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
5) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
6) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
7) Fernando Alonso, Alpine
8) George Russell, Mercedes
9) Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
10) Lando Norris, McLaren