Provisional starting grid for Japanese GP | Can McLaren attack Verstappen?

Who can challenge Max Verstappen in the Japanese Grand Prix? It will be a tough task for McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who had to concede some six tenths to the Dutchman in qualifying.

Verstappen took pole position convincingly at the Suzuka Circuit and thus has the best starting position for Sunday's race. Next to him, he will see Piastri start from P2, followed by Norris and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Sergio Perez managed to make up some ground on Saturday after some disappointing results in free practice. The Red Bull Racing driver will start from fifth position, with Carlos Sainz alongside him. Behind him, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell share the fourth row of the grid. Home hero Yuki Tsunoda starts from the fifth row, alongside Fernando Alonso.

Due to his crash in Q1, Logan Sargeant was unable to qualify. As a result, Williams had to seek permission from the FIA for the American to start in the race. That permission was granted by the stewards, and so Sargeant will start the race as last.