Mercedes 1-2 for Australian GP as Verstappen crashesMercedes driver George Russell celebrates after topping the qualifying session on Saturday in Melbourne. (Photo: AFP)MELBOURNE - George Russell powered to pole position Saturday for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, but there was disaster for Max Verstappen who crashed out. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will keep Hadjar company on the second row with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and world champion teammate Lando Norris starting from fifth and sixth. Russell eclipsed his rivals with a flying lap of one minute 18.518 seconds on soft tyres, 0.293 ahead of Antonelli. Fantastic,” said the Dutchman, whose hopes of a second win in Australia after his 2023 victory appear to be over.

Source: Bangkok Post March 07, 2026 12:38 UTC