Red Bulls lock the front row: Verstappen leaves Australia GP troubles behind to claim pole in Japan
Verstappen was asked a few days ago if he had concerns going into the Japanese Grand Prix. His rear brakes caught fire just two weeks ago at the Australian GP, forcing him out on the fourth lap. «No, no,» Verstappen replied.
True to his word. No worries. The Dutchman claimed the pole for Red Bull in Saturday qualifying, poised to return to his unprecedented dominance in Formula 1 after the blip in Australia.
Verstappen clocked 1 minute 28.197 seconds, just 0.066 ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Lando Norris of McLaren and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari — the winner in Australia — will make up the second row.
«It was quite close at the end,» Verstappen said of his teammate Perez. «I think overall this track is very sensitive with the tires. When you really want to go to the limit it doesn't always work out.»
Verstappen did not sound totally pleased with his day, but he'll take it.
«The point is to be on pole,» he added.
«Of course you want every lap to be perfect but around a track like this that's not always the case. But overall a very good day — a good starting position for tomorrow. And of course, tomorrow is what counts.»
He also relished starting alongside Perez.
«It's great as a team of course to be one and two, and hopefully we can keep that going for tomorrow.»
Verstappen pointed to Ferrari as Red Bull's biggest threat, perhaps looking at Sainz who won in Melbourne and is in view again.
«Ferrari look very comfortable,» he said.
«Maybe they were not so quick on one lap, but they were definitely
