In the early hours of this Saturday, Max Verstappen took another pole position in Formula 1 by setting the fastest time in the standings of the Australian GP. The Dutchman, with his Red Bull, conquered the first position with a time of 1min16s732. Behind the reigning world champion, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, both from Mercedes, will start.
Despite Verstappen’s return to pole after failing to qualify in the last round in Saudi Arabia, Saturday wasn’t perfect for Red Bull. Sergio Perez’s car had brake problems in Q1. On his first attempt at a flying lap, the Mexican went straight into turn three and ended up stuck in the gravel pit, where he was forced to abandon the session. With that, the vice leader of the championship will start from the last position.
Back to Q1 and dramatic early exit for Sergio Perez 😮#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/HlRB2QxQEg
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 1, 2023
Q1 ended with Verstappen leading, followed by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Then there were Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso, both from Alpine. The gap between the Red Bull leader and fifth place was just 0s400s. In addition to Perez, Oscar Piastri, Guanyu Zhou, Logan Sargeant and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated at the end of the session.
The cars returned to the track for Q2 and the story in the top positions was a little different. Verstappen followed with first place, but ended up with Carlos Sainz and Leclerc, both of Ferrari, hot on his tail. Lando Norris, with his McLaren, had difficulties and even went off the track in an attempt to stay in the fight for the top positions on the grid. In the end, in addition to the British rider, Ocon, Tsunoda, Magnussen and De Vries crashed.
For the final session, Verstappen wasted no time and was the first to leave the pits. With a first lap lower than expected, the Dutchman also lost some positions. However, he managed to recover and set the fastest lap in Q3. In the final stretch Mercedes appeared to complete the top three positions on the grid. Follow Alpine, with the fourth place of Fernando Alonso. Then came Sainz, Stroll, Leclerc, Albon, Gasly and Hulkenberg.
Amazing pole tour by Max 💪#AusGP @pirellisport pic.twitter.com/t5ZKAuBams
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 1, 2023
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
