Dutch driver Max Verstappen driving for Red Bull clinched pole in the eighteenth round of the Formula 1 World Championship, the Japanese Grand Prix, as the season builds toward a likely title. Carlos Sainz, racing for Ferrari, finished third and Fernando Alonso of Alpine lined up seventh on the grid, creating an exciting mix of contenders for the race in Suzuka.
The reigning world champion extended his lead in the standings, adding another strong step toward the championship. He built a sizable cushion atop the standings after beating Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by a comfortable margin, and he widened the gap to the Madrid-born rival by a substantial amount. With a 104-point advantage over Leclerc, Verstappen would secure the title if he wins the race and earns additional points for the fastest lap. Suzuka, known for its challenging layout, could become the stage where the title is confirmed, provided the results align with this scenario.
Meanwhile, questions linger about an early-quarter incident involving Verstappen as he attempted to warm his tires. The moment unsettled the field, briefly sending Lando Norris off the track to avoid a collision. The race stewards are reviewing the matter to determine whether any penalties should be imposed, a decision that could influence the dynamics of the Grand Prix if a punishment is deemed necessary.
Verstappen receives pole suspension in Japan
Laura Lopez Albiac’s photo.
Sainz will share the second row with Sergio Perez, both drivers from Red Bull who look to challenge the pole-setter and the pace of their teammate. Perez, a Singapore Grand Prix winner, will start fourth, trailing Verstappen’s time by more than four tenths of a second and facing a tall task to topple the pole position advantage.
France’s Esteban Ocon, driving for Alpine, and England’s Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes will occupy the next two places, with Ocon starting from third on the grid and Hamilton just behind. Asturian Fernando Alonso will line up seventh, having not improved on his final flying lap, while his rival George Russell of Mercedes will occupy the sixth spot, ready to push through the field in the race ahead.