Max Verstappen in pole position, then the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and the Red Bull champion Sergio Perez, who however loses three positions due to penalties. In this way the other Ferrari driver will start fourth, Charles Leclerc, behind Lando Norris. This will be the starting grid for the Australian GP, on the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, the third round of the Formula 1 World Championship. Verstappen he finished qualifying with the record time of 1:15.915. Third row for the Australian’s McLaren Oscar Piastri (1’16″572) and for Perez (1’16″274), who despite being the author of the third time was relegated three positions for ‘impending’ against the German from Haas Nico Hulkenberg.
The accident occurred in Q1 during which Hulkenberg was forced to avoid his fast lap after passing Perez – on an out lap – at Turn 13. After reviewing the incident, stewards found that the Red Bull team had not warned Perez that Hulkenberg was behind until one second before the Haas arrived, meaning it was too late for Perez to avoid hindering him. It was therefore considered that the Mexican had unnecessarily hindered Hulkenberg and he was given a fine three place grid penalty: Perez will therefore start from sixth.
Sainz, who returned to the race after the recent illness that caused him to miss the Saudi Arabian F1 GP on Saturday 9 March, said he was happy: “From the missed race in Jeddah two weeks ago to this front row: I’d say it’s about a really interesting adventure. I’m very happy because coming to Australia I wasn’t even sure I would be able to drive. And instead I managed to progress session after session, with the aim of arriving in qualifying in the best possible conditions.” A return marked by the hope that the body will hold up: “In the last attempt I gave it my all to win pole, but given the conditions I really can’t say I’m disappointed. Now I hope I can physically resist for the entire duration of the GP. If I manage not to feel pain, and with the super motivation that comes from today’s result, I will give everything to bring home a good result.”
Likewise confident Leclercwho is confident in a good start for Sunday, while admitting the difficulties he had with the car: “Already from the third free practice session this morning I didn’t find the right feeling with the single-seater. Qualifying in Q3 I wasn’t happy with the front, so I decided to intervene with a strong modification to the wing which however didn’t work. Tomorrow I’ll need a good start: if I can overtake Lando (Norris) straight away we can attack the top positions with good teamwork. The race is long and with four DRS zones overtaking will be possible. Let’s see what result we can bring home.”
Instead, rejoice Fred Vasseur. “Sainz’s front row is an amazing result if we think that just two weeks ago he was in hospital after having undergone surgery. His recovery was exceptional: big congratulations to him and his staff who helped him. Tomorrow won’t be easy for him but I’m sure that his determination will allow him to compensate for any physical disadvantages,” says Il team principal of Ferrari. “Leclerc gave his all as always, he was not satisfied of one placing and tried to look for pole but with little luck. However, he has been fast all weekend so far and I expect him to be able to improve in the race,” he added. “As far as our performance, we were constantly at the top and tomorrow a very delicate race awaits us. The most important factor will be the tires because compared to last year we have compounds that are one step softer and limiting graining with careful management can make the difference in terms of race pace. Furthermore, on this track external variables, such as suspensions and Safety Cars, are always possible, we will need to know how to turn the situations that arise in our favor”, he concluded.
2024-03-23 10:34:01
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