formula 1
Training in Suzuka: World Champion Verstappen at the front
Max Verstappen in action. photo
© Vincent Thian/AP/dpa
Max Verstappen is in first place. After his mixed weekend in Singapore, the Red Bull driver is too fast for the Formula 1 competition in the first and second Japan training sessions.
World Champion Max Verstappen is back on the road to success after his mixed weekend in Singapore in Suzuka.
After setting the fastest time in the opening training for the Japanese Grand Prix, the Dutch Red Bull driver was unbeatable in the second session too. Verstappen relegated Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (+0.320 seconds) to second place at the Suzuka International Racing Course in 1:30.688 minutes. McLaren driver Lando Norris landed directly behind on the high-speed circuit (+0.464 seconds).
Due to an accident involving Pierre Gasly in the Alpine around two and a half minutes before the end, the second training session was ended prematurely. The Frenchman braked in turn nine and crashed into the barrier. Gasly demolished the left wheel suspension, but apparently remained uninjured.
Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg ended up in 13th position, directly ahead of record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes.
Seven Grands Prix before the end of the season, Verstappen, who was only fifth in Singapore, is 151 points ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez in the World Championship standings. The Dutchman can become world champion for the third time in a row in Qatar in around two weeks at the earliest. Thanks to its huge lead, Red Bull is already on the verge of winning the constructors’ world championship again in Japan.