Two different teams set the pace across the weekend so far, but F1 Japanese GP Qualifying delivered a clear result at the front. Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, leading a Mercedes front row ahead of George Russell, while Oscar Piastri remained the closest challenger for McLaren.
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Q1: Tight margins and early exits
The first part of qualifying was closely contested, with several teams trading fastest laps. Ferrari showed early pace, but Mercedes quickly moved to the front once both cars completed their runs.
Antonelli and Russell were both competitive from the start, indicating that Mercedes carried strong form from practice into qualifying.
There were notable eliminations. Several midfield drivers failed to progress, highlighting how tight the field remains this season. Small mistakes or traffic were enough to end a session early.
Overall, Q1 confirmed that track position and clean laps would be critical for the rest of qualifying.
Out: Albon, Bearman, Perez, Bottas, Alonso, Stroll
Q2: Verstappen out as session turns decisive
The second session produced one of the key moments of the day. Max Verstappen was eliminated in Q2 and will start outside the top ten. The Red Bull driver struggled with balance and could not put together a clean lap when it mattered.
At the front, the order continued to change. McLaren showed strong pace, with Piastri briefly setting the fastest time on fresh tires. Ferrari also remained competitive, with Charles Leclerc close to the top positions.
Mercedes, however, delivered when needed. Antonelli set the pace late in the session, confirming that the team had the speed to fight for pole.
Because of the evolving track and different tire strategies, the final order in Q2 did not fully reflect the true pace. Still, it was clear that Mercedes and McLaren were the main contenders heading into Q3.
Out: Verstappen, Ocon, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto, Sainz
Q3: Antonelli takes pole in Mercedes 1-2
Antonelli delivered the fastest lap when it counted. His time of 1:28.778 secured pole position, with Russell finishing second. This result gives Mercedes another front-row lockout and confirms their strong one-lap pace this weekend.
Piastri finished third for McLaren, continuing his solid form from Friday. Leclerc, Norris and Hamilton followed the top three, but they were unable to match the final pace of Mercedes or challenge for pole.
The final laps were affected by small errors and changing grip levels. Antonelli himself did not improve on his second attempt, but his first lap was already strong enough to secure the top position.
Qualifying summary and outlook
Qualifying in Japan produced a clear result at the front, with Mercedes securing pole and second place. Antonelli confirmed his strong form, while Russell ensured a strong team result.
McLaren remained close, with Piastri in third, but failed to challenge for pole. Ferrari was competitive, but lacked pace over one lap. The biggest surprise was Verstappen’s Q2 exit, which put Red Bull on the back foot for the race.
Looking ahead, the race could still be open. Mercedes starts from the best position, but tire management and race pace will decide the final outcome.
The full results of the qualifying according to FIA.com:
