Australian Grand Prix | 'The car came alive today': Russell on clinching pole

George Russell (left) with the pole position winner’s award on Saturday. pic/AFP

Mercedes driver George Russell powered to pole position on Saturday for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, but there was disaster for Max Verstappen as he crashed out even before setting a time in Q1.

On a fine day at Melbourne's Albert Park, Verstappen's Red Bull partner Isack Hadjar came third in a chaotic qualifying, as the pecking order became clearer after the massive regulation shake-up.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will keep Hadjar company on the second row with McLaren's Oscar Piastri and world champion teammate Lando Norris starting 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.

"A great day. We knew there was a lot of potential in the car, but it really came alive this afternoon. Really happy to have Kimi here next to me as well, as the team did an amazing job in the garage today," said Russell.

P7 is not what we expected: Hamilton

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton expressed his disappointment after clinching seventh place in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, saying it was not what the team expected.

"Today's result is not where we wanted or expected to be, mainly because we lost execution at an important stage of qualifying," said Hamilton, before adding: "Now it's about understanding the issues, staying composed and making the most of tomorrow."

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