Japanese GP Qualifying: Max Verstappen takes pole position but faces investigation for Lando Norris incident

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Max Verstappen edges Charles Leclerc by 0.010s but has been summoned to stewards for appearing to turn in Lando Norris on Q3 out laps; Carlos Sainz third, Esteban Ocon fifth ahead of the Mercedes; Watch Sunday’s race live on Sky Sports F1 at 6am

Last Updated: 10/08/22 8:36am

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McLaren’s Lando Norris somehow managed to avoid a crash with Max Verstappen during the final part of qualifying at Suzuka

McLaren’s Lando Norris somehow managed to avoid a crash with Max Verstappen during the final part of qualifying at Suzuka

Max Verstappen pipped Charles Leclerc for a pole position in a fascinatingly qualifying close for the Japanese Grand Prix – although the world champion in-waiting risks losing it after being summoned to stewards.

Verstappen, who can seal his second crown on Sunday at Suzuka by outscoring Leclerc by eight points, edged his rival by 0.010s but is being investigated after qualifying after appearing to turn in Lando Norris on their first Q3 out laps.

Norris was speeding past at the high-speed 130R corner and had to take to the grass to avoid the swerving Red Bull driver warming up his tires. Verstappen raised his hand to apologise, but will have to explain his case.

The investigation, which could hand Leclerc pole, follows an ultra-competitive shootout, where Verstappen appeared the favorite throughout but was nearly beaten by the quicker-than-expected Ferraris.

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen takes pole for the Japanese Grand Prix but he’s under investigation for an incident with Lando Norris.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen takes pole for the Japanese Grand Prix but he’s under investigation for an incident with Lando Norris.

But Leclerc finished agonisingly off Verstappen, with team-mate Carlos Sainz also within a tenth, and though Verstappen did not improve on his final lap he still took pole with a 1:29.304.

Sergio Perez was fourth in the other Red Bull while Esteban Ocon beat both Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton was the lead Silver Arrow in sixth, with George Russell only eighth as the team, down on top speed, failed to replicate their pace from Friday in the wet weather, which could be back for Sunday’s race.

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Karun Chandhok was at the SkyPad to analyze if Red Bull’s Max Verstappen impeded McLaren’s Lando Norris in Japan Grand Prix qualifyin.

Karun Chandhok was at the SkyPad to analyze if Red Bull’s Max Verstappen impeded McLaren’s Lando Norris in Japan Grand Prix qualifyin.

Norris, miffed about Verstappen’s actions, was only 10th for McLaren, behind Sebastian Vettel on an emotional and impressive last appearance at his favorite track.

Japanese GP Qualifying Results1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull*2) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari3) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari4) Sergio Perez, Red Bull5) Esteban Ocon, Alpine6) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes7) Fernando Alonso, Alpine8) George Russell, Mercedes9) Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin10) Lando Norris, McLaren

More to follow…

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