McLaren send 'respect' to Verstappen after 'incredible' lap knocked them off pole position

10:42, 05 Apr

Updated: 10:43, 05 Apr

byToby Nixon

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was full of praise following the team's strong qualifying performance at the Japanese Grand Prix. Although Max Verstappen ultimately snatched pole position, Stella expressed deep satisfaction with how Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri performed at Suzuka.

Looking back at qualifying, Stella is pleased with the performances of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Papaya drivers will start from second and third positions for tomorrow's race, behind polesitter Max Verstappen.

"I think it's been a good weekend for us so far. The car has been behaving very well," Stella began on Viaplay.

"Clearly, there's been some effect of the wind in terms of putting perfect laps together. I think every session has been a little tricky from this point of view. Qualifying didn't make any exception, but I think Lando and Oscar have done a very good job in making sure that the final attempt was put together, considering that the first attempt had some issues."

Stella congratulates world champion Verstappen

The Italian team boss was full of praise for polesitter and rival Max Verstappen. "Also, I would like to say well done to Max. Hats off to Max for putting together such an incredible lap. He's the world champion multiple times, and there's a reason for that."

The top three drivers were within a tenth of a second of each other with their fastest lap. There are still plenty of opportunities for McLaren this weekend at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. With a threat of rain tomorrow, anything can still happen.

This article was written in collaboration with Marnik Kok