Antonelli topped the time sheets in qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. Russell reported an aerodynamic problem, likely caused by tyre temperature. Verstappen is still complaining about the new rules.
Q1 and Q2 Eliminations
The Mercedes and the Ferraris were out in Q2. Norris was the Q1 disappointment. Bearman also suffered a blow, having qualified 12th and 10th in the previous two races.
The elimination list included Albon, Bearman, Perez, Bottas, Alonso and Stroll. Leclerc, Russell, Antonelli, Piastri and Hamilton made the top five in Q1.
Qualifying Timesheets
Antonelli went fastest, by 0.043, while Russell was half a second down in fifth. Hamilton was third fastest, behind Antonelli, while Leclerc moved ahead of them all. Leclerc beat Piastri by 0.360.
Piastri went fastest through the early sectors. Lawson came in at 131.7, with teammate Lindblad going a 10th faster. Antonelli will be first through: 1:27.774, with Russell 0.343 slower.
Hamilton could only split the McLarens. Russell was just 0.052 behind Leclerc.
Aston Martin Struggle
The Aston Martins of Stroll and Alonso were more than four seconds slower than Antonelli. They were close to a second behind the Cadillacs of Bottas and Pérez. They are practically competing in a different sport to the front row.
Verstappen’s Displeasure
Verstappen is still complaining about the new rules. The powers that be have tweaked regulations at Suzuka. He is not alone in this.
- Antonelli fastest in qualifying
- Verstappen complaining about new rules
- Aston Martins struggling
Bernie Collins on Sky is analysing the theoretical best times of the top 10, and there are no surprises on the notional front row, with Russell 0.021 behind Antonelli. There is more than half a second back to Leclerc in third, leading the Ferrari + McLaren quartet, and Verstappen is in 10th, behind Liam Lawson, who a year ago was demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls for this race after struggling in the role of the Dutchman’s sidekick.