Last update: 08/10/22 08:18
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McLaren’s Lando Norris managed to avoid a crash with Max Verstappen in the final part of qualifying at Suzuka
McLaren’s Lando Norris managed to avoid a crash with Max Verstappen in the final part of qualifying at Suzuka
Max Verstappen edged Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz for pole position in a thrilling qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix – although he risks losing his advantage with an investigation by the stewards.
Verstappen, who can seal his second world championship on Sunday with a win and fastest lap, trailed Leclerc by just 0.010 seconds but is under investigation after qualifying after appearing to turn on Lando Norris in the of his first laps in Q3.
Verstappen raised his hand to Norris, who was speeding past and had to get into the grass to prevent the lurching Red Bull driver from heating up his tyres, but will have to explain his case to the marshals.
The investigation follows a super competitive shootout, where Verstappen appeared favorite throughout but was nearly beaten on pole by Ferrari.
But Leclerc finished agonizing over Verstappen, with Sainz also less than a tenth away, and although Verstappen failed to improve on his final lap, he still took pole.
More soon…