Japan GP Qualifying Report

The headlines in Suzuka was that Japanese driver Tsunoda along with Red Bull returnee Ricciardo have been confirmed as Alpha Tauri drivers for 2024.  None of the contenders are taking Perez' Red Bull seat and Lawson will continue as reserve and test driver.

Sargeant stopped the first Qualifying session, bringing out a Red Flag, crashing at the end of his (good?) lap.  This only increases his margin at the top of the damages cost table, bringing his total to probably over the $3 million mark.  His position seems to be becoming increasingly untenable, even though Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes Williams won't take Lawson as they'll want a driver for more than a year.  At the end, out went Zhou, Hulkenberg, Stroll and Bottas with Albon just pulling out a good lap in time to go through.  Lawson, rejected by Alpha Tauri went fourth.  You wonder what metrics the team(s) can see that justify their choice of driver for next season.

The second session passed with no incident.  The McLarens put in a strong showing and Verstappen too.  Out went Lawson, Gasly, Albon, Ocon and Magnussen.  Home track hero, Tsunoda made it through; Honda having given him a special engine probably.

The third session was no more exciting than the second.  Verstappen predictably took pole.  The McLarens continued to show great pace, with Piastri out qualifying his team mate in 2nd and 3rd.  LeClerc was 4th, a much-needed two places in front of his team mate who won the last race.  Perez was 5th, again causing everyone to question why he is keeping his seat at Red Bull.  The Mercedes qualified 7th and 8th with Hamilton in front.  The top 10 is rounded off by Tsunoda and Alonso.  

Suzuka can be a big challenge, especially if it's wet but it also feels like it is Verstappen's to lose.  I suspect the McLarens will make it interesting for the first lap or two.  The interest will be whether they can hold Perez up and whether Mercedes can make it forwards with more tyres saved for the race.  Norris looked miffed to be behind his team mate and I expect he will want to get passed him as soon as possible.  Will they come together?  Same for the Ferrari drivers, when are things going to implode there?  Poor, tiny, Yuki is always treated like a small boy so it would be great for him to prove his worth.