After qualifying in Japan, it is Max Verstappen who tops the timesheet. Sergio Perez set the second fastest time. Lando Norris closed the top three.

At the start of Q1, it is queuing at the end of the pitlane. The rule is that you are not allowed to stand still, but the drivers drive so slowly that a small traffic jam forms. George Russell is being investigated for an unsafe release that forced Oscar Piastri to slam on his brakes.

In Max Verstappen 's first fast lap, he immediately sets the fastest time, more than four tenths off his teammate, Sergio Perez. This fast time is already immediately faster than last year's pole position. Fernando Alonso also manages to set a fast lap and splits the two Red Bulls.

In the second run, the top five believe it and stay inside. Charles Leclerc still manages to make up some ground and goes to fourth time. Finally, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, Kevin Magnussen, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu drop out in Q1.

In Q2, Verstappen goes out first. He manages to improve his time again in this first run. Perez also improves his time and gets a little closer to the Dutchman. Lando Norris also seems fast and goes to the third time. There is also a track limit here and there, like Nico Hulkenberg.

Also in Q2, many drivers set only one fast time. The top seven stay in after their first lap. Things get a little tense for Leclerc, as the track gets better, almost putting him outside the top ten. In the end, Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas, Alexander Albon and Esteban Ocon drop out in Q2.

Verstappen fastest in Q3

In Q3, Lewis Hamilton is the first to start a fast lap. He does not improve his time. Verstappen does improve his time, by a whopping five tenths. On the first fast lap, Perez also improves, but Norris is faster and splits the two Red Bulls.

Leclerc only has one set of new soft tyres, so he can only set one fast lap. He chooses to set this lap when the rest are in. He goes to the provisional seventh fastest time after a moment.

On the final fast lap, almost everyone is improving. In the end, Max Verstappen remains the fastest and puts his Red Bull in first place.

Full results qualifying Japan