Max Verstappen claimed pole for Red Bull in the Australian Grand Prix, mastering testing, cool conditions in Melbourne and lowering the Albert Park lap record four times to confirm his favouritism for Sunday’s race.
He beat the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton into second and third, a great result for the team who are struggling this season.
Fernando Alonso was in fourth for Aston Martin. “I am so happy with this,” said Hamilton. “This is a totally unexpected and really proud of the team.
George did really well and for us to be up on the two front rows is a dream for us. We’re all working as hard as we can and hope tomorrow we can give them a run for their money.” Australia’s Oscar Piastri, born in Melbourne and competing in his first home grand prix, was in 16th for McLaren at Albert Park. “We adjusted the front wing a little bit for the last run and maybe it wasn’t the best,” the 21-year-old rookie said. “A little bit of inexperience on my side potentially … it wasn’t the best preparation.