Antonelli Takes Suzuka Pole
Overtaking at Suzuka is traditionally difficult, making qualifying a decisive factor. In seven of the last ten Grands Prix, victory has gone to the pole-sitter, with Max Verstappen securing pole position in each of the past four years. However, with the recent regulation changes, the competitive order has shifted, and the Dutch driver was not among the main contenders this time.
Oscar Piastri set the pace on Friday, while Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) topped the timesheets on Saturday morning. Ahead of the weekend, the FIA introduced adjustments to the qualifying format: due to the track’s characteristics, the energy limit was reduced to 8 MJ per lap. This slightly lowered straight-line speeds but allowed drivers to push for longer periods.
Pirelli brought the hardest compounds available C1, C2, and C3.
In Q1, Antonelli and Leclerc led the field, while Albon, Bearman, Perez, Bottas, Alonso, and Stroll were eliminated. In Q2, the battle intensified as Piastri and Leclerc traded fastest laps, but Antonelli moved ahead at the end with a 1:29.048. Verstappen, Ocon, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto, and Sainz failed to progress.
In Q3, Antonelli immediately set the benchmark with a 1:28.778, which ultimately remained unbeaten. Lindblad had his lap deleted for exceeding track limits.
In the final runs, only Bortoleto, Gasly, and Leclerc improved, but it did not affect the outcome. Kimi Antonelli secured pole position in Suzuka, marking his second consecutive pole.
George Russell qualified three tenths behind his teammate, completing a front-row lockout for Mercedes. Piastri and Leclerc will start from the second row, with Norris and Hamilton lining up on the third.
