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qualifying · japanese

4 analyses · 2026
The Lap Where Hadjar Knew He'd Lost Suzuka
Antonelli was seven tenths faster through the middle sector — and by lap 14, Hadjar's times proved he'd already accepted defeat.
By Rosa Villanueva
Japanese 2026Q
Pierre Gasly just saved Alpine's season. Franco Colapinto nearly ended it.
Gasly was a full second faster per lap and finished eight positions ahead. This wasn't close.
By Nadia Ferreira
Japanese 2026Q
The Lap Where Antonelli Stopped Thinking and Started Driving
Antonelli was three-quarters of a second faster through the Degners and Spoon—not because the Mercedes was better, but because he committed when Hadjar hesitated.
By Rosa Villanueva
Japanese 2026Q
Franco Colapinto's Qualifying Nightmare Proves Alpine Made the Wrong Call
Colapinto's car was so overbalanced for qualifying that he couldn't keep tyres alive past lap 12. Gasly ran the same compound six laps longer and still found pace.
By Nadia Ferreira
Japanese 2026Q