Australia Quali : Max Pole, Checo DNF

Max Verstappen scores another pole in Australia. His team-mate Checo had an engine braking issue causing him to crash and start from the back

Mighty Max in Australia

Max Verstappen is in the form of this life and Australia seems to be no different. While the car did have some issue, he managed to pull out a fantastic lap when it matter the most i.e. the final shot in Q3. He will be starting from the front and will be the favourite to win the race. His team-mate meanwhile was having issues throughout the practice session, continuously going off the track and not getting a grip of the track. Right in Q1, during the first round Sergio was unable to brake at the right point, causing him to skid past and right into the gravel trap. He will be starting from the pitlane after making several changes to the car. He has the quickest car but it will be difficult to move up the grid easily.

Mercedes climbing up in Australia

No one saw this coming, not even Mercedes. Their practice sessions were strictly ok. But then out of nowhere both George and Lewis pulled out a stunner in Q3, with George getting P2 and Lewis P3. Things looked not good after Jeddah with George expecting Max to win all of the remaining races. This Quali performance in Australia though would give them a bounce in their steps. Mercedes would be really hoping to convert the quali performance into race points.

Aston slipped a bit

Fernando Alonso is having the time of his life with consistently performing above expectation and providing super-entertainment to all. In all the practice sessions the Aston looked good, consistently being better than Ferrari and Mercedes. Then Mercedes stole the show in Q3, relegating Alonso to P4 and Stroll P6. Still Alonso looked in a very happy and expect him to put his 100% and try to beat Mercedes, or at least Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari lacking the pace

Ferrari talks about challenging Red Bulls for wins and championship but reality paints a different picture. Forget challenging Red Bull, they now seem to be behind Mercedes and Aston Martin too. Carlos Sainz managed a lowly P5 and Charles would be even more disappointed with P7. They still look positive as accordingly to Ferrari they expect a better performance in the race.

Alex Albon though would be really happy with not only his first Q3 appearance in 2023 but actually starting P8. Gasly will be starting a decent P9 and Hulkenburg put his HAAS on P10. McLaren once again was disappointing with home-boy Oscar Piastri not even getting out of Q1. Even Alfa Romeo performed badly with both the drivers unable to get out of Q1.

Australia GP Starting Grid : Max on Pole