Australian GP 2023

Verstappen secures Pole Position in thrilling Australian GP Qualifying

Max Verstappen dominates the Australian GP Qualifying session, securing pole position ahead of Mercedes' George Russell.

Max Verstappen during qualifying in the 2023 Australina Grand Prix-Red Bull Content Pool

Q1: Perez Dramatic Exits

The Australian Grand Prix qualifying session saw some early drama as Red Bull's Sergio Perez was forced to exit after going straight on at Turn 3, ending up in the gravel trap.

"That was the same f****** issue again," Perez lamented over the radio.

His teammate Max Verstappen, however, had a strong start, taking the fastest time by over three-tenths on his first run after the stoppage.

Sergio Perez in Qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix-Red Bull Content Pool

Logan Sargeant also faced difficulties in Q1, locking up and spinning off the kerb through the penultimate corner, but he managed to divert into the pits to change tyres.

As Q1 progressed, McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fought to stay out of the elimination zone, with Piastri reporting set-up issues over the radio.

Ferrari showcased a more competitive edge in Q2, with Charles Leclerc initially setting the fastest time – a record quickly broken by Verstappen.

Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin kept pace with Leclerc, while the two AlphaTauri's struggled to break into the top 10.

Lewis Hamilton 2023 Australian Grand Prix - LAT Images

Norris continued to face challenges in Q2, running into the gravel trap at Turn 3 but managing to continue after a tyre change.

Despite his efforts, Norris only managed to improve to 13th fastest, allowing Alex Albon to progress to Q3, while Esteban Ocon narrowly missed out due to traffic.

Q3: Verstappen Clinches Pole Position

With the threat of rain looming in Q3, teams were eager to set their fastest laps early on.

Verstappen faced fierce competition for pole position from Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Ferrari, all jostling for the top spot on the timing screen.

Max Verstappen celebrating his Pole Position at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix- Red Bull Content Pool

As the final minutes of Q3 approached, Verstappen reclaimed the fastest time ahead of Lewis Hamilton by a mere 0.009s, ultimately securing pole position for the 2023 Australian Grand Prix with a time of 1:16.732.

Hamilton and Fernando Alonso completed the second row of the grid, while Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top 10.

With Verstappen's spectacular performance and a grid filled with fierce competitors, the 2023 Australian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race.