Christian Horner: “Good starting position” / Formula 1

At the end of qualifying at the Suzuka Circuit, the verdict was clear: Red Bull Racing enjoyed a strong performance from champion Max Verstappen and team-mate Sergio “Checo” Pérez, the duo took the first two places, with the Dutchman finishing 66th. of leadership.

Lando Norris’s gap to third place was even wider. The Brit from the McLaren team was more than two and a half tenths behind the pole time of Melbourne’s three-time world champion Carlos Sainz, who set the fourth fastest lap in the Ferrari, he was almost half a second slower than now; leader of the world championship.

Christian Horner was also happy after following the times. The team boss from Milton Keynes said: “Both drivers put in an excellent qualifying performance. This is now the 27th time we’ve finished in the top two positions and it’s Checo’s best qualifying performance here in Japan.”

Meanwhile, the 51-year-old warned: “Of course there are still things we have to improve for the race.” But he also added: “But it was another impressive lap from Max, and we’re very pleased to have both cars on the front row.”

“I think it will be a bit difficult in the GP, but today it puts us in a good position for the start of the race and we want to keep this pace on Sunday as well,” added Horner with a view to the race.

Qualification, Japan

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:28,197 minutes
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, 1:28.263
03. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, 1:28.489
04. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, 1:28.682
05. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, 1:28.686
06. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, 1:28.760
07. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, 1:28,766
08. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, 1:28,786
09. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, 1:29,008
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, 1:29,413
11. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, 1:39.472
12. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, 1:29.494
13. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, 1:29.593
14. Alex Albon (T), Williams, 1:29,714
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, 1:29,816
16. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, 1:30,024
17. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, 1:30,119
18. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, 1:30.131
19. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, 1:30,139
20. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, 1:30,143