Max Verstappen sneaks Japanese Grand Prix pole but faces investigation

And what a very early morning it is for those of you in Europe – the earliest start of the calendar in F1 year. We have not been so used to start times quite this early for a few years, what with the Asian races missing in many of the last couple of years due to Coronavirus complications. Still, whatever the time, how great is it that F1 is back at Suzuka? Very, I would say. The track, for my money, is the best on the calendar (though rivalled these days by Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and the Circuit of the Americas) and Japan is a place like no other on the calendar. 

After a messy and scruffy last weekend in Singapore, the wait continues for Max Verstappen to claim his second championship. It is almost a formality, though I am sure he would rather get it done sooner rather than later, especially for Red Bull in Japan. The engines – although branded Red Bull Power Trains – are in fact Honda power units and before this race weekend it was announced that Honda would deepen their partnership with Red Bull and AlphaTauri, though at the moment that extends to the Honda logo being displayed and a couple of other PR exercises. Still, it seems fair given Honda’s involvement and collaboration here. 

Anyway, what Verstappen has to do to secure that second drivers’ title to is lead the championship by at least 112 points on Sunday evening – either over team-mate Sergio Perez or Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. He currently leads Perez by 106 and Leclerc by 104, so a win would go a long way to getting there. In fact, a win and a fastest lap point guarantees it. In short, though, he has to outscore Perez by six and Leclerc by eight points to take the championship. If Verstappen wins and does not claim the fastest lap point, Leclerc must finish second. If Verstappen wins and Perez finishes second and the Mexican does not claim the fastest lap bonus point then the Dutchman is champion. 

What chance does he have? Well, Friday’s running was not much use as it was wet. Third practice earlier this morning was dry and Verstappen finished fastest – which is no great surprise. The Red Bull has been the fastest car for most of the season, so he should be there or thereabouts. That said, whilst the forecast for today is dry… it is not the same tomorrow. The likelihood is there will be some rain from the afternoon onwards but at what point in the afternoon we do not know. It could be during the race… it could be after it. 

Anyway, qualifying begins in about an hour and I will be here for all of the build-up, latest times and live updates and reaction from it.