Max Verstappen edges Charles Leclerc by 0.010s but has been summoned to stewards for appearing to turn in on Lando Norris on Q3 out laps; Carlos Sainz third, Esteban Ocon fifth ahead of the Mercedes; Watch Sunday’s race live on Sky Sports F1 at 6am
Last Updated: 08/10/22 8:25am
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McLaren’s Lando Norris somehow managed to avoid a crash with Max Verstappen during the final part of qualifying at Suzuka
Max Verstappen pipped Charles Leclerc for pole position in a fascinatingly close qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix – although the world champion in-waiting risks losing it after being summoned to stewards.
Verstappen, who can seal his second crown on Sunday by outscoring Leclerc by eight points, edged his rival by 0.010s in qualifying, but is being investigated afterwards after appearing to turn in on Lando Norris on their first Q3 out laps.
Norris was speeding past at the high-speed 130R corner and had to take to the grass to avoid the swerving Red Bull driver warming up his tyres. Verstappen raised his hand to apologise, but have to explain his case to the stewards.
The investigation follows an ultra-competitive shootout, where Verstappen appeared the favourite throughout but was nearly beaten to pole by the Ferraris.
But Leclerc finished agonisingly off Verstappen, with team-mate Carlos Sainz also within a tenth, and though Verstappen did not improve on his final lap he still took pole.
More to follow…