Max Verstappen takes shock pole for Japanese Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri rues tiny error
Oscar Piastri has been left rueing a tiny error on his final lap as Max Verstappen snatched a shock pole in a thrilling qualifying session for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.
In a qualifying session stopped by more trackside grass fires, Piastri was fastest after the first runs in the final part of qualifying but made the smallest of errors at the second turn of the Suzuka circuit on his final lap.
Teammate Lando Norris was the first to finish his flying final lap and shot to the top with a 1:26.995. Verstappen was next and shaved 0.012 off Norris' time.
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Oscar Piastri will start the Japanese Grand Prix from third. LAT Images
Piastri still managed to improve his time but fell 0.044 short to go third as the top three were covered by less than half a tenth of a second.
Having dominated the opening two races of the season in Melbourne and Shanghai, McLaren were heavy favourites to take a third straight pole.
Piastri admitted he'd "left a bit more on the table" in his final lap but said it wasn't a surprise for Verstappen to take pole.
"I think we've got good pace, but the other (teams) have not been as far away as people think," he said.
A grass fire brought out the red flags during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. Fox Sports
"You never really know with engine modes and stuff like that. (Final practice) was pretty tight, so I think it's not a massive surprise.
"Max has obviously done a great job to end up on pole, but I think we've still got a great car for tomorrow and (are) still in the fight for the win."
Piastri would have been just the second driver to claim his first two pole positions in back-to-back races. He will aim to become just the third driver to win a race on his birthday in Sunday's race.
Max Verstappen will start the race from pole. LAT Images
The Red Bull garage erupted in screams and cheers as Verstappen crossed the line. The four-time world champion said over team radio getting pole was "very unexpected".
It was Verstappen's 41st pole to go with 63 career victories. He is chasing a fourth-straight race win in Japan.
It's also a chance for Verstappen to break out of a little slump. Despite being the four-time defending champion, he has won only two races in the last 16 over this season and last.
The qualifying session was stopped midway through the second session by a small fire in the grass on the fringe of the track.
Officials have decided to burn the grass at the edge of the track in preparation for Sunday’s race. Four small fires broke out in Friday and Saturday's practice sessions, the dry brush set aflame by sparks from passing cars.
Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda will start from 15th, one spot behind Liam Lawson, whom he replaced at the senior Red Bull team for this weekend.
The weather forecast suggests rain is a possibility for the grand prix, which starts at 3pm AEST.
- With AP
