Kimi Antonelli claimed his second pole position of the season at the Suzuka Circuit, while Max Verstappen failed to reach Q3.
Antonelli was quicker during their first attempt in the final session, and it was enough for the Italian to defeat Russell.
Oscar Piastri completed the top three ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton made a mistake on his final lap, and finished sixth.
The biggest surprise of the day was Verstappen failing to reach Q3. His teammate, Isack Hadjar finished in seventh place, ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, Pierre Gasly and Arvid Lindblad.
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Japanese Grand Prix Results
Q2Unlike his teammate, Verstappen was unable to make it through to Q3. The Dutchman was in tenth place after his final lap, and in the end, he was eliminated by Racing Bulls rookie Lindblad. The Briton was around a tenth and a half quicker.
OUT: Verstappen, Ocon, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto, Sainz
Q1
The frontrunners had no trouble progressing to Q2, with Leclerc topping the first session of qualifying ahead of the Mercedes.
Colapinto and Sainz advanced to Q2, while Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman were knocked out alongside the Cadillac and Aston Martin drivers.
OUT: Albon, Bearman, Perez, Bottas, Alonso, Stroll
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