Norris takes pole in Australia as McLaren secures front-row lockout
Lando Norris claimed pole position for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, leading a McLaren one-two ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri in a strong statement to their rivals.
In scorching conditions at Melbourne’s Albert Park, reigning world champion Max Verstappen qualified third, with Mercedes’ George Russell joining him on the second row. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton will start eighth on his debut for the Italian team.
“It’s the perfect way to start the year. A big congrats to the team, everyone has done an amazing job to start with a one-two,” said Norris after securing his 10th career pole. “But it is just quali, right? Let’s see tomorrow.”
Norris posted a fastest lap of one minute 15.096 seconds, edging out Piastri by 0.084 seconds. The Australian admitted he “maybe left a little bit on the table” but was pleased with a front-row start in his home race.
Verstappen, who had taken pole in Australia for the past two years, was three-tenths off Norris’ pace, while his Red Bull teammate Liam Lawson was eliminated in Q1.
“It was good, yesterday was quite tough so for us to be P3 today, I’d take that,” Verstappen said. “Quali laps are exciting, good grip around here and some fast corners.”
With cooler temperatures and rain expected on Sunday, McLaren will be hoping to convert their dominant qualifying performance into a race victory, as no Australian driver has won their home Grand Prix since Alan Jones in 1980.
(Source: AFP)
