The starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen can breathe, he is indeed the poleman of this 2022 Japanese Grand Prix. Under investigation for having obstructed Lando Norris in qualifying this Saturday, the Dutchman finally got away with a simple reprimand of the race direction thus maintaining his pole position on the grid of the Japanese Grand Prix.

On the track, Max Verstappen succeeded to beat the Ferraris by a breath. In fact, between him and Carlos Sainz, 3^e, there were only 57 thousandths, Charles Leclerc taking 2^e place at only 10 thousandths. Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon completed the Top 5. Great performance from the Frenchman who equaled his best performance of the season for 4^e time.

Lewis Hamilton got him reason to calm the ardor after domination of Mercedes during EL2 on Friday afternoon. Not comfortable in the dry facing the Red Bull et Ferrari, the seven-time world champion was unable to do anything, settling for 6^e clock more than 9 tenths from Max Verstappen's pole position. Same case for George Russell, only 8^e rear Fernando Alonso and more than a second from the reference of the day. Note the fine performance of Sebastian Vettel present in Q3 for 4^e time of the season and for the first time since Baku last June.

In the fight against Alpine, McLaren could lose big. Ironed 4^e after Singapore, the English team failed to qualify. Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo were in fact unable to do better than 10^e and 11^e. Very good news for the French clan. Speaking of the tricolor clan, Pierre Gasly, just confirmed at Alpine for 2023, took the door in Q1 and will start 17^e only.

The starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix

Departure is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. (French time) this Sunday.

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