Japanese GP: Kimi Antonelli Claims Pole For Second Consecutive Time

 

After an impressive performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli followed in the stead of his previous race, claiming the pole at the Japanese Grand Prix in Mercedes' one-two front row finish. 

Antonelli won his maiden F1 pole in Shanghai. Having to win again in Suzuka made it a back-to-back pole for the Italian driver, who clinched the position by nearly three-tenths of a second ahead of his teammate, George Russell. 

Russell could not improve on the time of his first run, nor could Antonelli on his second try in Q3 of the qualifying session. McLaren's Oscar Piastri came close but finished behind Russell. It was a weekend dominated by Mercedes from the practice session. 

Four-time champion Max Verstappen finished out of the top 10, failing to advance past Q2. The Red Bull driver was edged to the 10th position by RB driver Arvid Lindblad in Q2. The British driver made his first top 10 position at the Australian when he qualified in ninth. 

Japanese GP Qualifying Session Top 10

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)...1:28.778s

2. George Russell (Mercedes)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

5. Lando Norris (McLaren)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7. Pierre Gasly (Alpin)

8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

9. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)

10. Arvid Lindbald (RB)