The Suzuka qualifying session marked a clear step backward compared to Shanghai for Ferrari, but especially for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion concluded the session with the sixth fastest time, registering a gap of almost eight tenths from the pole position set by Kimi Antonelli. This time, Hamilton was unable to match the performance of his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton later commented on his difficulties, stating: “I could have been fourth without an energy delivery problem.” This statement suggests that a technical issue compromised his potential to achieve a better grid position.