Antonelli Makes It Back-to-Back F1 Poles in Japan

Antonelli Makes It Back-to-Back F1 Poles in Japan NurPhoto - Getty Images Kimi Antonelli bested Mercedes teammate George Russell to capture back-to-back Formula 1 pole positions at the Japanese Grand Prix. Antonelli, fresh from his maiden pole and breakthrough victory last time out in China, finished almost three-tenths clear of early title leader Russell at Suzuka on Saturday. The one-lap challenge of the iconic figure-of-eight Suzuka circuit was somewhat neutered by the new cars, due to the drivers encountering clipping and battery management before some of the most demanding curves, and the session ran green throughout.

“There are parts of the track where you’re a little bit limited, a bit handcuffed on driving because of energy,” Antonelli said. “But I think still the Esses are pretty good fun because at the end of the day the car on the chassis side is very good fun. Of course, there’s still work to do and work around, on these big tracks with the energy, trying to find a solution that allows us to push even more and drive without thinking too much, especially in certain places.

But overall, I think it was good fun. ” Russell was left to rue a set-up adjustment in advance of qualifying that he said robbed him of rear-end confidence through the quick changes of direction through the lap. George Russell.

NurPhoto - Getty Images “I couldn’t attack any of the corners,” Russell said. “The rear was trying to step out on me throughout. I’m sure we’ll try and see what happened.