STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the Japanese Grand Prix?

Through practice and, indeed, the first two Qualifying sessions, McLaren had looked like the pick of the litter, but at the end of Q3 up popped Max Verstappen to take his 41st pole position in the manner of someone producing a rabbit from a hat.

The papaya drivers seemed more mesmerised than annoyed but perhaps that’s because they know they have the race pace. It is, we think, set-up for a classic encounter on this classic circuit: McLaren have the legs but Verstappen has the position, and there’s potential for rain but different strategies in motion if it stays dry. Get the popcorn ready…