F1 Qualifying Results: Yuki Tsunoda BEATEN by Liam Lawson after…read more
In the lead-up to the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, the qualifying session saw a series of dramatic twists and intense competition as drivers fought for position on the grid. Lando Norris faced an unexpected challenge in the first part of qualifying when he was beaten by his McLaren teammate and Mercedes’ George Russell, who outperformed him. Norris, who has been a consistent contender this season, would have been hoping to make a strong impression, but both drivers struggled with their setups during Q1.
The first stage of qualifying, Q1, eliminated five drivers, marking the start of the intense battle for grid positions. Among the names cut in Q1 were Lance Stroll from Aston Martin, Jack Doohan from Alpine, Esteban Ocon from Haas, and the two Sauber drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. With the early exits, the tension immediately built up, knowing that only the fastest drivers would progress to the next stages of qualifying.
In Q2, the competition tightened as drivers pushed themselves to secure a place in the top 10 for the final shootout, Q3. However, it was a day of misfortune for many drivers. One notable performance came from the rookie, Liam Lawson, who was making his third “debut” with Racing Bulls. Lawson, who was filling in for the Red Bull replacement Yuki Tsunoda, managed to outperform his teammate Tsunoda by a single position. Lawson finished 14th, just one spot ahead of Tsunoda, who came in 15th. Despite his limited experience with the team, Lawson’s performance provided him with confidence, as beating Tsunoda was a significant accomplishment, especially considering Tsunoda’s usual presence in the mid-to-upper field.
The session was disrupted midway through Q2 when yet another fire caused a red flag to be waved, halting the session for approximately seven minutes. This marked the fifth such stoppage during the weekend, underscoring the technical challenges that many teams were facing as they tried to find a suitable setup. Fires had been a consistent issue throughout the weekend, and this particular red flag came at a critical moment, leaving drivers and teams to scramble to make adjustments before the session resumed.
As the session resumed, the tension was palpable, and drivers fought hard to secure a spot in Q3. However, among those who were eliminated in Q2 were Pierre Gasly of Alpine, Carlos Sainz of Williams, and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. The list of eliminations also included Liam Lawson, who was just shy of making the cut, finishing in 14th, and Tsunoda, who was left to rue his disappointing 15th-place result. For both Lawson and Tsunoda, the session was a mix of highs and lows, with Lawson taking solace in beating Tsunoda, but ultimately still not making it through to the final session.
A standout performance in Q2 came from Isack Hadjar, who endured a difficult session after suffering from seatbelt issues. The young driver was clearly in discomfort, with visible pain as mechanics worked on his car, adjusting the setup and trying to alleviate the issue. Despite the challenges, Hadjar showed tremendous resilience and bravery, securing a spot in Q3, which was seen as a remarkable feat given the discomfort he endured.
The final session, Q3, would provide the final battle between the top 10 drivers for grid positions. It was a dramatic and intense conclusion to the qualifying session, with some big names making it through while others faltered. But even with the focus on the frontrunners, the performances from drivers like Lawson, Tsunoda, and Hadjar provided a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the race weekend.
Overall, the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session was a spectacle of drama, setbacks, and surprises. The qualifying results for the race on Sunday will see some of the top names starting from unexpected positions, setting the stage for a thrilling race ahead. With the fires, technical issues, and surprising performances, the qualifying session once again proved that anything can happen in Formula 1, and fans can look forward to a tense and exciting race at the Su
zuka Circuit.
