Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has achieved pole position for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. For the Dutchman in the Red Bull, it is the third pole this season in as many races. Verstappen was 0.270 seconds faster than challenger Charles Sainz in the Ferrari on Saturday. Third was Sergio Perez (+0.359) in the second Red Bull, who was demoted to sixth after a penalty from Q1 when he impeded Nico Hülkenberg.
“A bit unexpected today,” said Verstappen, who was happy with the performance in Q3. “Both laps felt very good. It’s been a bit of a difficult weekend so far.” The surprise was good, said consultant Helmut Marko on ServusTV. The Styrian said he was more optimistic about the race than he was on Friday.
Sainz strong
Sainz was recently absent from Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis, which had to be treated surgically. “It’s been a tough few weeks, I lay in bed for many days waiting to be here today,” said the Spaniard. “Yesterday I was a bit rusty, but I feel good with the car. “I’m not going to lie, I don’t feel particularly comfortable driving out there, but I can do it,” added Sainz, whose teammate Charles Leclerc inherited fourth place after the penalty. Lando Norris starts the race from third place in the McLaren.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton continues to struggle in the Mercedes and will start from eleventh place on the grid on Sunday. Local hero Daniel Ricciardo was eliminated in Q1 after his fast lap was canceled. Logan Sargeant didn’t even start. The American had to hand over his car to Alexander Albon on Friday because he caused a serious crash.