Mercedes brought an impressive showing to qualifying, as the team put both cars on the front row after having to repair Antonelli’s car after a crash in practice. They seem to be the ones to beat heading into the Grand Prix. Isack Hadjar, meanwhile, managed to slot his Red Bull into third with an impressive run in Q3. Below are full highlights from qualifying in Australia.
Q1 Report:
An eventful Q1 took place in Australia, with Max Verstappen unexpectedly crashing after locking the rear axle in Turn 1. This surprising accident resulted in a red flag and the pit exit closed. Meanwhile the mechanics in Antonelli’s garage were able to use this extra time to repair his car after his crash in the previous practice session, and the Italian driver was able to get a time on the board to advance to Q2. However, the drivers that were not able to escape to the next round of qualifying were Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and Lance Stroll.
Q2 Report:
The second round of qualifying didn’t bring much drama, as all the drivers got out eager to set a good lap time in order to advance to Q3. Mercedes continued to set times that were quicker than the rest of the field, making them the favorites for pole position. Impressive drivers from the Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Linblad saw them make it to Q3, while Gabriel Bortoleto also managed to squeeze his Audi into the top ten shoot out. The drivers that were eliminated in Q2 were Nico Hulkenberg, Ollie Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Franco Colapinto.
Q3 Report:
The top ten shootout got started with an issue for Gabriel Bortoleto, who had to be wheeled back to his garage, and also failed to set a time in the session. A red flag came out later into Q3, when Antonelli drove out with cooling fans still on his car, which fell onto the track. Lando Norris then ran it over, and a flag was necessary to clear up the debris. After that Q3 was smooth sailing as the drivers hurried to set a quick time. In the end it was Mercedes that prevailed, with Russell and Antonelli taking first and second respectively, with Isack Hadjar claiming a solid P3 for Red Bull. Leclerc was behind in fourth, ahead of the two McLarens of Piastri and Norris. Leclerc’s teammate Lewis Hamilton ended the session in seventh, while Lawson, Linblad, and Bortoleto rounded out the top ten.
