Verstappen and Norris almost hit each other: 'I had a big moment'

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver was ahead of both Ferrari drivers, as was his teammate Sergio Perez. It was very close on the Suzuka circuit, as the margin towards number two Charles Leclerc was just one hundredth. Verstappen is logically happy with his first place.

"It's incredible to drive here. Especially in qualifying with little fuel, the car really comes alive on a track like this. I am happy with pole, but I am also happy to be back here," Verstappen told the grid immediately after driving the fastest time.

Verstappen loses part

The time Verstappen set in his first run he eventually failed to break. The reigning world champion does have an explanation for this. Namely, his RB18 was no longer completely complete. "I lost part of my 'duct'. That's why I probably couldn't really improve, but nevertheless, the first lap was good enough."

In the first part of Q3, it also almost came to a serious incident with Lando Norris. The McLaren driver was faster than Verstappen, but the Dutchman suddenly came off his line after losing control. "I was driving slowly, but I wanted to accelerate because my tyres were quite cold. I had a big moment, but he [Norris] was driving fast at that moment. So he had to avoid me. Luckily nothing happened," he states.

On his chances for Sunday, Verstappen said. "It will be interesting to see. Some say it's going to rain, others are calling for it to stay dry. We have to see what will happen, but I am confident that we have a fast car. "

Almost touché between Verstappen and Norris

After Verstappen set his first time, he got in the way of McLaren driver Lando Norris quite a bit.