Vertappen secures pole while Ricciardo starts in 18th position
Max Verstappen secured the starting position, for the Formula One Australian Grand Prix after a dominant performance in the qualifying session on Saturday.
He outpaced Carlos Sainz from Ferrari and his teammate Sergio Perez.
The reigning world champion, Verstappen, set a blazing time of 1:15.915 in his Red Bull car to clinch his pole position of the season.
Sainz followed behind, trailing by 0.022 seconds, while Perez took third place, lagging by 0.128 seconds.
Local hero Oscar Piastri put on a show in his McLaren by qualifying in sixth place.
The Australian newcomer displayed potential during his debut qualifying session for the team, surpassing his seasoned teammate Lando Norris, who will start in 10th position.
In a twist, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton failed to advance to Q3.
Ended up in 11th place after positions were shuffled in the final moments of Q2.
Hamilton’s extraordinary track record of securing eight pole positions in Melbourne will not be applicable this time as he faces a challenge, in Sunday’s race.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo had an outing at the back of the grid during qualifying.
The RB HONDA RBPT driver was knocked out in Q1 after exceeding track limits with a lap time that initially placed him in 18th position.
The upcoming Australian Grand Prix is shaping up to be an event as Verstappen looks to widen his lead in the championship standings.
Ferrari is eager to secure their first victory of the season, while fans are rooting for Piastri and Ricciardo to shine on their home turf.
