Red Bull secured the front row at Suzuka, leaving team boss Christian Horner very satisfied, as he did not expect the race to be so one-sided.
Max Verstappen bounced back from his Australian GP nightmare and retired in commanding fashion by dominating each and every qualifying query to pole at the Japanese Grand Prix, with teammate Sergio Perez securing a front-row exclusively for Red Bull after losing just 0. 066 seconds behind Verstappen. 1. :28. 197 pole time.
Taking Verstappen’s retirement in Melbourne out of the equation, the Red Bull RB20 has become more potent on race day this season, giving rivals an explanation for why to worry given that Verstappen’s closest rival at Suzuka, McLaren’s Lando Norris, is 3 tenths behind.
However, Horner does not expect a Red Bull win, pointing to as a “challenging” variable the drop in temperatures expected for Sunday and what this will mean for the tyres on this abrasive surface at Suzuka, especially the “more varied conditions” race speed that knowledge indicated to Red Bull ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix.
“It’s Checo [Perez’s] most productive qualifying ever here, so we’re pleased to have both cars on the front row,” Horner told Viaplay.
“It’s another amazing lap from Max, but I think the race can be a bit closer tomorrow, although it’s a smart start to the weekend. “
“I think I understood the problems, but I think I noticed that the race speed is more varied [heading into the race], and in those colder conditions, the behaviour of the tyres will be a tricky factor.
“But I’m sure it will be an attractive race and I’m pleased to start on the front row. “
F1 2024: Team-mate head-to-head qualifying
The 2024 Max Verstappen F1 Drivers’ Championship standings
Verstappen pointed to the surface of Suzuka as he looks to score a hat-trick of wins at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“This track is very tricky on the tyres, the asphalt is very competitive and when you really need to push the limit, it doesn’t work,” he said.
“But still, the most important thing is to be on pole. Of course, you want every lap to be the best on a track like this, but that’s not always the case, but overall it’s a really bright day. “A smart starting position, and of course, that’s what matters.
And tomorrow, from the front row, Red Bull will be hoping for a third one-two finish of the 2024 F1 campaign.
Read next: 2024 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Winners and Losers