Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Japanese GP in Suzuka, confirming Mercedes’ dominance in qualifying. The Italian finished ahead of George Russell, who completed the team’s 1-2, while Oscar Piastri took McLaren to third place on the grid.
Read more F1: Piastri sees McLaren closer to Mercedes in Japan
Gabriel Bortoleto will start ninth with Audi after advancing to Q3 and maintaining good performance throughout the session. The Brazilian stood out mainly in Q2 and put the team in the top 10. Qualifying also had the surprise elimination of Max Verstappen still in the second phase.
Read more F1: Antonelli takes Japanese GP pole and Mercedes confirms dominance in Suzuka
