When Formula 1 is a guest, the Japanese, who are otherwise rather reserved, can’t stop themselves. There was a lot to celebrate on Honda’s home track in Suzuka on Saturday (April 6th). The cars with Japanese engines in the rear delivered a strong performance.
Things couldn’t have gone better at Red Bull. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez secured the 27th double pole in the history of the racing team. The two bullfighters fought a tough fight for the best starting position. In the end, Verstappen prevailed again. It was the Dutchman’s fourth pole in the fourth race.
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The fans certainly went home satisfied after qualifying Saturday.
Midfield pole for Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso also had something like a double pole to celebrate. The first five teams were once again out of reach for the back midfield. At least Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo were able to leave the eight drivers from the four direct competing teams behind them. Because Lance Stroll also fell through the rust early in the Aston Martin, Tsunoda even managed to get a place in Q3.
There was a celebration in the stands around the high-speed course. But as always, there were some disappointed faces. There was a lot of frustration, especially in the Ferrari camp. After the Melbourne party, the Scuderia was quickly brought back down to earth. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have a lot of work to do in the race from positions four and eight on the grid.
In the gallery we show you the highlights from qualifying again.