Formula 1

Verstappen reprimanded for Norris incident, keeps Japanese GP pole

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Max Verstappen keeps his pole for the Japanese Grand Prix after being handed a reprimand for the incident with Lando Norris in qualifying.

Speeding into 130R, the McLaren driver had to go on the grass to avoid the slow-moving Red Bull after the Dutchman lost the rear trying to get out of the way going through the corner.

After an investigation, the stewards revealed Norris called it an "unfortunate incident" and announced a reprimand for Verstappen citing precedent from previous similar occurrences.

"We were all on our out-lap, and all lining up to try to create a gap to everyone," Max said giving his side of the story.

"Somehow how he [Norris] still wanted to get [ahead of] me into the chicane but I was at the point of accelerating, but I was on very cold tyres, I had a moment and that is why he had to drive around me.

"If you are just a bit more respectful because everyone already is lining up. I don't think anyone is passing into that chicane. So, trying to pass me you kind of create that problem," he argued.

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As it is, the moment had no bearing on the outcome of qualifying, which saw Verstappen claim his fifth pole of the season and put him in the perfect place to potentially clinch a second world title on Sunday.

"It was pretty incredible to drive around here especially when you are low fuel these cars come alive in the last sector," he said.

"Super happy to be on pole, but happy to be back here."

Race day though could provide a few challenges before the Red Bull driver can think about celebrating.

"It will be interesting first of all to see the weather," he noted. "Some say it's going to be dry and others say it's going to be raining at some point during the race.

"But I am quite confident that we have a good car [in all conditions]."

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