F1 Qualifying Results & Report 2024 Japanese Grand Prix
Event: Japanese Grand Prix
Track: Suzuka Circuit
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 06, 2024 (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202404060066 // Usage for editorial use only //
Weather: dry 17.1°C
Tarmac: dry 25.7°C
Humidity : 61%
Wind : 4.6 km/h South
Max Verstappen scored the 36th F1 pole position of his career during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session today. It was the 4th pole of the season for the Red Bull driver and his third career P1 start on the Suzuka circuit. It was the 99th pole for Red Bull Racing.
Suzuka Qualifying Seals Verstappen's Pole Hat-trick Amidst Intense Battles
Formula 1's electrifying 2024 season continued to sizzle at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Round 4 delivering heart-pounding qualifying action at the legendary Suzuka Circuit. As teams and drivers navigated the complex blend of high-speed corners and technical sections, Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen clinched pole position, edging out teammate Sergio Perez by a mere 0.066 seconds in a nail-biting finale.
Q1 Report: Stroll, Gasly, Among Notables to Bow Out Early
The opening salvo of qualifying saw a flurry of activity as drivers vied to avoid elimination. The session's competitive nature was underscored by the struggles of notable drivers including Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly, who found themselves unable to progress. The intensity of the battle was palpable, with every lap potentially reshaping the outcome. By the session's end, the elimination of Stroll, Gasly, Kevin Magnussen, Logan Sargeant, and Zhou Guanyu set the stage for an intense Q2.
Q2 Report: Midfield Tussle Intensifies, Ricciardo's Efforts Fall Short
Q2 further ramped up the intensity, showcasing the midfield's ferocity and strategic plays. Daniel Ricciardo's efforts to make a mark were commendable, yet the Australian fell just short of breaking into the top 10, highlighting the fine margins separating success and disappointment in Formula 1. The session concluded with the elimination of Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas, Alexander Albon, and Esteban Ocon, thinning the field for a high-stakes Q3.
Q3 Report: Verstappen Triumphs in Tense Showdown
The climax of qualifying in Q3 was nothing short of spectacular, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez locking out the front row for Red Bull, showcasing their team's dominance. Lando Norris impressed with a third-place finish, signaling McLaren's competitive edge. Meanwhile, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz secured a strong starting position alongside Norris, hinting at a potential challenge for podium finishes.
Mixed emotions were evident among the teams, with Tsunoda's Q3 performance bringing joy to the home crowd, while Mercedes and Ferrari faced challenges. The session's end saw Verstappen exude confidence, despite the tight margin to Perez, underlining the Dutchman's prowess at Suzuka.
Looking Ahead: A Race Day Brimming with Uncertainty
With the qualifying battles settled, attention now turns to race day, where unpredictable weather and the lack of long-run data promise a spectacle filled with strategic gambits and on-track battles. As teams and drivers prepare for the uncertainties of race day, the stage is set for a thrilling Japanese Grand Prix, with Verstappen in the prime position to extend his championship lead.
As the sun sets on Suzuka, the anticipation for tomorrow's race is palpable, promising another chapter in the enthralling narrative of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Quickest Sector Times
The fastest sectors times during this final practice were:
- Sector 1: 30.777 sec. by Max Verstappen (Red Bull RB20)
- Sector 2: 39.763 sec. by Sergio Pérez (Red Bull RB20)
- Sector 2: 17.503 sec. by Max Verstappen (Red Bull RB20)
1:28.877 min was the pole position time of last year, set biy Max Verstappen with the Red Bull RB19.
Qualifying Times 2024 Japanese GP
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
| 1 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:28,866 | 1:28,740 | 1:28,197 | 12 |
| 2 | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | 1:29,303 | 1:28,752 | 1:28,263 | 12 |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:29,536 | 1:28,940 | 1:28,489 | 13 |
| 4 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:29,513 | 1:29,099 | 1:28,682 | 12 |
| 5 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:29,254 | 1:29,082 | 1:28,686 | 12 |
| 6 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:29,425 | 1:29,148 | 1:28,760 | 12 |
| 7 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:29,661 | 1:28,887 | 1:28,766 | 15 |
| 8 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:29,338 | 1:29,196 | 1:28,786 | 12 |
| 9 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:29,799 | 1:29,140 | 1:29,008 | 15 |
| 10 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | 1:29,775 | 1:29,417 | 1:29,413 | 18 |
| 11 | 3 | Daniel Ricciardo | Racing Bulls | 1:29,727 | 1:29,472 | 12 | |
| 12 | 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | 1:29,821 | 1:29,494 | 12 | |
| 13 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | 1:29,602 | 1:29,593 | 12 | |
| 14 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:29,963 | 1:29,714 | 9 | |
| 15 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:29,811 | 1:29,816 | 12 | |
| 16 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:30,024 | 6 | ||
| 17 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:30,119 | 6 | ||
| 18 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 1:30,131 | 9 | ||
| 19 | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1:30,139 | 6 | ||
| 20 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | 1:30,143 | 6 |
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More or less as expected for this qualifying, with Lando a positive surprise & Lance oppositely the biggest disappointment.
Arguably the bigger disappointment is CL…looking more and more like they fired the better racer.
Seems like a few of these drivers don't up their game until prodded into it.
Alonso and GR notable exceptions.