Max Verstappen led Red Bull to the pole position for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix on Friday at the Albert Park Circuit, following a close race with Carlos Sainz of Ferrari.
In the third shootout session, Verstappen proved his supremacy on the track once more, outlasting Sainz by almost three tenths of a second.
While Sainz set the fastest time in the second qualifying session by two tenths, Verstappen remained composed and delivered a strong finish to retake the lead in Melbourne.
The disqualification of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in the second heat, trailing George Russell by 0.059 seconds, was the most unexpected event of Friday’s practice. Hamilton began the race in 11th place on the grid, his lowest since 2010.
Verstappen commented after winning that the result was a little unexpected given how “tricky” the weekend was.
Read More
Max Verstappen remarked, “I am very happy with Q3; it was a bit unexpected today.” My two laps were delightful and fun. Even though the weekend hasn’t gone well so far, we finally made it there.
“There is some uncertainty regarding tomorrow because they (Ferrari) seem very quick in the long run.”
After having appendix surgery a little over two weeks ago in Saudi Arabia, Sainz revealed that he is having problems because he is not “most comfortable” after the procedure.
“I nearly didn’t think I would attend this weekend, much less have a front-row seat.” I’ve spent many days in bed, wondering if I would be here today,” Sainz remarked. The past few weeks have not been easy.”
“Yesterday, I was a touch rusty, but I picked up the speed and relaxed when driving.
“I’m hardly the world’s most comfortable driver, to be honest, but I manage. I’m giving it my all because I feel electric throughout my entire body and I’m pain-free.
Share this content:
