Max Verstappen (NLD)
Max Verstappen (NLD)

How qualifying for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix unfolded

Max Verstappen earns pole position at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix.

The big news is that Pierre Gasly will drive for Alpine in F1 2023, while Nyck de Vries will drive for AlphaTauri.

This is how it happened...

07:06

Both Mercedes drivers are out on the mediums.

07:06

A busy track now with Alonso, Ocon, Albon, Bottas and Zhou the only cars in the pit lane.

07:04

It's a 1m31.631s for Tsunoda, 0.4s ahead of Gasly - the only two drivers to set a lap so far.

07:01

Tsunoda, Gasly and Latifi are out on track. No mad rush from the rest of the grid to get out there.

07:00

Q1 is now underway at Suzuka!

Latifi and Gasly take to the track...

Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB18. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan,
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB18. Formula 1 World Championship,…

06:56

It's time for qualifying at Suzuka!

Sebastian Vettel stormed to pole last time we raced in Japan back in 2019.

06:52
How is Hamilton performing?

Lewis Hamilton was 7th in Free Practice 3, one place behind George Russell.

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W13. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan,
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W13. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd…

06:44
Heck of a weekend!

Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) AlphaTauri. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Qualifying Day.-
Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) AlphaTauri. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18,…

Yuki Tsunoda is at his home race and will have a new teammate next season.

06:41
Is this true?

Horner: Cost cap “noise” trying to ‘distract’ from Verstappen winning the title

(L to R): Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal with Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing on the grid.
(L to R): Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal with Max…

06:37
Qualifying in 25 minutes

Can Max Verstappen hand himself a huge title boost?

06:13
What about Daniel Ricciardo?

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05:53
Two spots remain...

F1 2023 driver line-up

Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Practice Day. -
Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18,…

05:50
Friends or foes?

Alpine hope Ocon and Gasly ‘rekindle friendship’ as teammates

(L to R): Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri and Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team in the FIA Press
(L to R): Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri and Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1…

05:05

F1 2022 Japanese Grand Prix - Free Practice Results (3)

Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari F1-75. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Qualifying
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari F1-75. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18,…

05:00

Verstappen quickest ahead of Sainz and Leclerc.

05:00

Chequered flag...

04:58

Into the final couple of minutes... Perez goes fifth.

04:57

Still need to see what Perez can do.

04:56

Alonso slots into fourth ahead of the Mercedes drivers.

04:56

Verstappen goes 0.294s ahead of Sainz.

04:55

Just under five minutes to go at Suzuka in FP3.

04:55

Verstappen goes quickest in S1.

04:55

Sainz fails to improve, while Leclerc goes second. 

04:51

Hamilton moves into fifth behind his teammate.

04:50

Hamilton goes purple in S1.

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