Max Verstappen takes pole by 0.010sec, but incident with Lando Norris hangs over it

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took another step towards securing his second consecutive Formula 1 title by claiming pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Dutchman will retain his title if he wins and takes the fastest lap in Sunday's race, and he gave himself the best chance of doing so by going quickest in qualifying.

But it could have been a different story after Lando Norris took evasive action having sped up to the back of a slower Verstappen as the pair prepared for their respective flying laps.

"We were on our outlap and we were all lining up to create a gap to everyone, and then somehow he still wanted to get me into the chicane," explained Verstappen.

"But I was on the point of accelerating, and I was on very cold tyres, so I had a little moment, and that's why he had to drive around me. But if he had just a bit more respect for me, because everyone is anyway lining up and I don't think anyone is trying to pass into that last chicane, so by trying to pass me, you create that kind of thing."

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Gentleman's agreement

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was also unhappy with the move made by Norris, with the two drivers under investigation for the incident.

"There is a gentleman's agreement between the drivers that when you get to that part of the circuit that you hold position and you file through the last corner one by one," he said.

"So, Lando decided that he wants to jump the queue as they head up to that final chicane. They were following each other