GP of Australia

Qualifying in Melbourne – LIVE from 6 a.m.

Max Verstappen celebrates pole position.

(Bild: APA/AFP/Martin KEEP)

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. It is the third pole in as many races this season for the Dutchman in the Red Bull.

Verstappen was 0.270 seconds faster than Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari on Saturday. Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull was originally third. However, because he held up Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg, the Mexican was penalized three places.

Here is the final standings (before Perez's penalty):

"A bit unexpected today," said Verstappen, who was pleased with the performance in Q3. "Both laps felt very good. It's been a bit of a difficult weekend so far." The surprise was also good, said consultant Helmut Marko on ServusTV. He is more optimistic about the race than he was on Friday, said the Styrian.

Strong comeback from Sainz
Sainz had recently been absent in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis, which had to be treated surgically. "It's been a tough few weeks, I've been 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," Sainz added.

Disappointment for Hamilton
Third place on the grid belatedly went to Lando Norris in the McLaren, while his stablemate, Melbourne local Oscar Piastri, finished fifth. Things went less well for the second Australian in the field: Daniel Ricciardo will only start the race from 18th on the grid in his RB car. Record world champion Lewis Hamilton was also nowhere near a top position, missing out on Q3 and only finishing eleventh.