Japanese Grand Prix grid after ALL drivers penalties

SPORTSAREENA.comApril 7, 2024

5 3 minutes read

Triple world champion Max Verstappen stated his efficiency “wasn’t ideal” however nonetheless ok to grab pole position for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix forward of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.

Sunday’s race will begin at 07:00 (SA time).

Verstappen, who failed to complete the race in Australia a fortnight in the past, clocked a quickest lap of 1:28.197 in qualifying at Suzuka – simply 0.066 forward of the Mexican for a Red Bull one-two.

It was the fourth time the Dutchman has claimed pole in as many races this season.

Verstappen stated he was “not very happy with myself” after nearly letting Perez snatch high spot within the dying moments.

“It wasn’t ideal but it was still good enough,” stated the Dutchman.

“Of course I always want it to be perfect but that’s not possible. Luckily it was still good enough today.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris was third, 0.292 behind Verstappen.

Perez was in third place heading in direction of the tip of a gripping qualifying session in dry circumstances however he nearly jumped into high spot with an impressed last effort.

The Mexican stated it was “quite difficult to get the perfect lap nailed”.

“It was close today but I think the whole weekend has been good,” stated Perez, who completed runner-up behind Verstappen within the first two grands prix of the season.

“We made some good progress and we managed to maintain some consistency by means of qualifying.

“Let’s see what we are able to do tomorrow,” he added.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who gained in Melbourne, was fourth.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was fifth forward of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed eighth forward of Mercedes’ George Russell and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda.

‘Question mark’

Max Verstappen gained the primary two grands prix of the season however retired in Melbourne with a brake challenge, marking the primary time he had failed to complete a race in two years.

He has seemed again to his formidable finest to date at Suzuka, topping the time sheets within the first and third observe classes whereas sitting out the second due to dangerous climate.

But he stated after qualifying that he was not completely happy along with his tempo over lengthy distances to date in Japan.

The Dutchman stated it was “a question mark” heading into the race and questioned aloud if Ferarri would possibly be capable to take benefit.

“Maybe they were not so quick over one lap today but they are definitely fast in the long run,” stated Verstappen.

“So we’ll have to wait and see how that will evolve in the race.”

Norris emerged from a crowded qualifying pack to say third behind the 2 Red Bulls.

The British driver went toe to toe with Verstappen on the first nook in final 12 months’s race earlier than in the end ending as runner-up.

He admitted there was “a lot to do” to shut the hole however vowed to maintain pushing.

“It’s tricky, they’re quick,” stated Norris.

“They complained about their race pace but I don’t think they’ve had a bad race in the last four, five years.”

Mercedes didn’t construct on their promising observe classes and the workforce had been fined after an early incident the place Russell was launched into Piastri’s path within the pit lane.

Tsunoda made it to Q3 with a last-gasp cost, edging out RB team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in addition to Nico Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was eradicated in Q1 for the fourth time this season.

Lance Stroll, Kevin Magnussen, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu additionally fell on the first hurdle.