Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (R) poses after taking the pole position after the qualifying session of the Formula One Japan Grand Prix held at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Japan, on Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
SUZUKA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Max Verstappen took the pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix here on Saturday and stayed on right track to retain his world title.
The Red Bull driver clocked one minute 29.332 seconds, beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 0.253 seconds.
Carlos Sainz, also of Ferrari, was third and Red Bull's Sergio Perez finished fourth.
Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver in history, missed the third qualifying session, finishing 14th with his Alfa Romeo car equipped with a new front wing. His teammate Valtteri Bottas was 12th.
It was Verstappen's fourth pole of the season and 18th in his career. He will clinch the second straight season title if he wins the race with the fastest lap. ■
Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the qualifying session of the Formula One Japan Grand Prix held at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Japan, on Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz (L to R) pose for photos after the qualifying session of the Formula One Japan Grand Prix held at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Japan, on Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Alfa Romeo's Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu drives during the qualifying session of the Formula One Japan Grand Prix held at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Japan, on Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
