F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers have already completed the three free practice sessions and are ready for meaningful action in Japan. After FP3, it is now time for the real thing: who will come out strongest in qualifying and take pole position?

LIVEBLOG | Qualifying for the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix

Match point for Verstappen in Japan

After a two-year absence, Formula 1 has finally touched down again in Japan. For Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, it could be a very special weekend: Verstappen is on match point for the second time and the chances of sealing his second Formula 1 world title this weekend are a lot more real than a week earlier in Singapore. To do so in Honda's home country would make it all the more special, especially after Red Bull announced an intensified partnership with the engine supplier.

Saturday looks very different from the previous day in terms of weather conditions. It is expected to remain dry, unlike Friday. There, it was the Mercedes drivers who called the shots on a wet track in the second free practice, but they may have to concede during qualifying against rivals Red Bull and Ferrari. Can Verstappen take pole and take an important first step towards his second world title?