Japanese Grand Prix-Formula 1: The live ranking and the lap-by-lap updates while Yuki Tsunoda begins the 15th of his first race for Red Bull

Verstappen takes a good start and stops any attack from Norris, with Piastri who follows just behind. Front three on a solid start.

No major incidents or confrontation.

Righo, we left for the Training Tour. Doohan and Stroll are the only blows from soft tires, just at the back of the grid. Hamilton is the only one in the upper half of the grid on hard compounds.

We have three young guns from the upper half today – Antonelli de Mercedes in sixth, Racing Bulls ‘Hadjar in seventh and Haas’ Bearman in 10th.

The neutrals prayed for the rain and although there was a good soaking overnight, it seems that it will be a dry race.

If there is rain, it should only be light showers. You must think that it only plays in the hands of the McLaren pair.

No need for something stupid here by Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri. It is a long and downhill in the first round, but they just need to focus on safe distance, rather than trying to face Verstappen.

They must believe that their higher rhythm will be enough to take over the Dutch during the race.

It is not an admission that Red Bull has been used to making in recent years, but it is the right one. McLaren won the manufacturers’ championship last season and they have good value for another.

The director of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, told F1 TV:

“McLarens are the dominant car right now, so keeping them is a big job today. Is it a two or only one stop? This is the big question.

“The clean air is always precious on a track like this. It is not the easiest track to exceed.

Max Verstappen begins on the post for Red Bull after having stung Lando Norris in the last qualification moments.

His new teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, begins 14th – behind Liam Lawson, the man he replaced.

Lewis Hamilton must be satisfied with eighth, four places behind his co-ferrari Charles Leclerc.

We can be ready for the rain in the middle of the race, which throws the cat among the pigeons, or a key to work, if you wish – although it is not a certainty.

Hello racing fans! How are we going?

If you seem as enthusiastic as the man posing for the photographers below at that time in the morning, I congratulate you.

If you are not, well, I’m sure we will get there in what promises to be a fascinating race.