formula 1
World champion Verstappen confidently takes Japan pole
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was unbeatable in qualifying at Suzuka. photo
© Toru Hanai/AP
Like last year, world champion Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Formula 1 race in Japan. The Red Bull driver from the Netherlands drove in his own league on Saturday despite problems with the display on his steering wheel in 1:28.877 minutes.
It was Verstappen’s ninth pole of the season and his 29th overall. The surprisingly strong McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri (+0.581 seconds) and Lando Norris (+0.616 seconds) landed behind the elusive World Championship leader at the Suzuka International Racing Course.
Red Bull can win the constructors’ world championship on Sunday (8 a.m. CET/Sky). Verstappen has to wait at least until Qatar in two weeks for his next title.