SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Championship leader Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday, leading a 1-2 finish for Mercedes and taking a step closer to securing his fifth Formula One title.
With rain threatening, Hamilton clocked a lap of 1 minute, 27.760 seconds to lead teammate Valtteri Bottas by 0.299. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was third.
Mercedes read the weather conditions perfectly, ensuring that both drivers recorded their best laps early in the third part of qualifying, before the rain increased to secure their fifth consecutive one-two at Suzuka.
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel's qualifying run did not go as well with the German hitting a wet patch and spinning off the course. Vettel finished ninth, further damaging his slim chances of catching Hamilton in the championship race.
With five races to go, Hamilton leads Vettel by 50 points in the standings. Race winners get 25 points.
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen was fourth in Japan, ahead of Haas driver Romain Grosjean.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo who ended up 15th after failing to set a time in the second qualifying, heading into the pits at the end of his outlap with what appeared to be an engine problem.
Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley claimed his best ever grid position in sixth, one place ahead of teammate Pierre Gasly.
Esteban Ocon was eighth, ahead of Vettel, with his Force India teammate Sergio Perez rounding out the top 10.
Marcus Ericsson crashed at Turn 7 early in the session.
The Sauber driver ran wide onto the grass and spun into a barrier, leading to a six-minute red flag.
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