formula 1
Verstappen ahead of Ferrari in Suzuka practice
Set the fastest time in the last Suzuka practice session: Max Verstappen. photo
© Toru Hanai/AP/dpa
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen set the best time in the last practice session before the Japanese Grand Prix.
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen set the best time in the last practice session before the Japanese Grand Prix.
On Saturday, the Dutchman finished in 1:30.671 minutes, around three tenths of a second ahead of the two Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who finished second and third. Before qualifying in Suzuka, former world champion Sebastian Vettel drove his Aston Martin to 14th place.
Schumacher 16.
Mick Schumacher was back after his training accident on Friday and finished 16th. The 23-year-old flew off the rain-soaked track in the first practice session on his slow-down lap and destroyed his Haas racing car with a violent impact on the track barrier. Because the chassis had to be changed, he was unable to compete in the second practice session.
If Verstappen wins the Grand Prix on Sunday (7 a.m. / Sky) and also turns the fastest race lap, he will make the successful title defense perfect early on. It can also achieve its second title in other constellations, Verstappen only has to get eight points more than Leclerc and six more than teammate Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.
Before the 18th of 22 rounds of the season, Verstappen leads Leclerc with 104 points. After the Grand Prix, the Dutchman would need a lead of 112 points. Otherwise the decision will be postponed to the next race in the USA.
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