The 2024 season has been pretty incredible for Max Verstappen, as he secured pole position on the Australian Grand Prix grid by defeating Carlos Sainz. Where Lewis Hamilton starts in position eleven after being knocked out of the top 10.
ALSO READ: F1 This Weekend: Australian Grand Prix 2024– Driver Standings, Timings, Streaming Details, and More
Max Verstappen beats Carlos Sainz at the Qualifying
Max Verstappen gave a good start ahead for the qualifying of the Australian Grand Prix by setting a time of 1m 16.048s in the first runs of Q3, and improved his time in the final laps with a 1m 15.915s. This put him 0.270s clear of Carlos Sainz.
Carlos Sainz was quick and was in a provisional pole position before the Dutchman took the pole position in seconds.
“A lot of discomfort and weird feelings, but no pain, and that allowed me to push flat out,” Sainz says.
Sainz gives a strong performance in his first qualifying race after recovering from his recent appendix surgery by securing a P2 at the qualifying round.
Red Bull had a 1 and 3 start for the race with Sergio Perez in the third position. However, Perez received a penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg in Q1, which moved him down to the 6th place for the Australian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton struggles in Mercedes for qualifying
Lewis Hamilton makes a shocking exit in qualifying, leaving both the paddock and the fans in shock. The seven-time world champion has claimed a record eight poles at Albert Park, makes a first-time exit in Q3 by getting knocked out of the top 10, and starts in P11 for the Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes still seems to have unsolved issues since the free practice in Melbourne.
“The inconsistency within the car, it really messes with the mind.” Hamilton says to Skysports F1. “But George did a good job. It is what it is. I just have to try and do a better job.”
Qualifying Results for the Australian Grand Prix 2024
| Position | Driver | Team |
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari |
| 3 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 7 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 8 | Yuki Tsunoda | RB |
| 9 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 10 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 11 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 12 | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 13 | Valtteri Bottas | Kick Sauber |
| 14 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas |
| 15 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine |
| 16 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas |
| 17 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 18 | Daniel Ricciardo | RB |
| 19 | Zhou Guanyu | Kick Sauber |
| DNS | Logan Sargent | Williams |
Fiza is a writer at The Sports Orbit, focusing on F1 coverage. She is currently pursuing her master’s in broadcasting journalism and has a profound love for motorsports. She finds F1 to be the most engaging among others due to its adrenaline rush. She got interested in the sport after watching an F1 race with her brother and uncle, and she’s been hooked ever since. Her favorite team is Mercedes and she is a fan of Lewis Hamilton. Besides her dedication to F1, she enjoys activities like reading, practicing her calligraphy skills, and experimenting with cooking.
