Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the Australian Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver from the Netherlands relegated Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to second place with a fantastic lap on Saturday (March 23, 2024) in Melbourne. Verstappen also secured his third pole position this season, the 35th of his career. Sainz had to undergo an appendectomy just two weeks ago.
Lando Norris came third in the McLaren. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez, initially third, was moved back three positions for impeding Nico Hülkenberg.
“This is a little unexpected,” said the Dutchman: “It’s been a tricky weekend so far, Ferrari was very strong here.”
Qualifying Melbourne Arrow right Formula 1, Drivers’ Championship Arrow right
Disappointment for Hamilton
Verstappen had to replace the engine in his company car after the first day of training. The Dutchman had repeatedly driven violently over the curbs.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton experienced disappointment in qualifying. The Mercedes driver, who will drive for Ferrari from next year, missed the final knockout round in eleventh place.
Hülkenberg is eliminated early
The only German regular driver in the field, Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg, was eliminated in the first lap for the first time this season. The Rhinelander didn’t get past 16th place.
“We had our backs to the wall and weren’t fast enough on our own,” said Hülkenberg: “But my lap wasn’t good either. The race will be difficult, we don’t have to kid ourselves.”
Verstappen has already won the first two races this year. The 26-year-old is aiming for his tenth win in a row across the season on Sunday (5:00 a.m. CET).
