Max Verstappen might sit on pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix this afternoon (3pm AEST), but the Red Bull star says there’s a “question mark” over his team’s race pace.
With teammate Sergio Perez locking out the front row, Red Bull are in ideal position to capitalise in Suzuka. But things aren’t all as they seem, with Ferrari and McLaren both appearing to show strong race pace in practice.
It could lead to a dramatic Sunday of action – with rain also possible, though the forecast has been improving on that front.
“So far I haven’t been happy with my long runs,” said Verstappen after qualifying.
“The pace wasn’t what I would have liked. So there’s a bit of a question mark going into [the race] because looking at the long runs especially Ferrari, they looked very comfortable.
“Maybe they were not so quick over one lap but they looked fast in the long runs so we’ll have to wait and see how that will evolve in the race.
“[McLaren are] also quite decent. I’m just not very happy with myself and how my long run was so naturally, everyone else looks a little bit better.”
With Australia’s Oscar Piastri in sixth, that promising race pace could lead to a strong points haul – while Daniel Ricciardo will be hoping to rise up the ranks from his 11th-place spot on the grid and also get among the points.
Logan Sargeant crashes out in Japan | 00:50
STARTING GRID: Top 10
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
3. Lando Norris, McLaren
4. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
5. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
6. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
7. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
8. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
9. George Russell, Mercedes
10. Yuki Tsunoda, RB
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