P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ferrari lost an apparent chance to stop Red Bull and Max Verstappen in qualifying for Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix, as a scrappy Q3 for Charles Leclerc left Verstappen with a comfortable pole
In qualifying for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari missed an opportunity to challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen, as a subpar Q3 performance from Charles Leclerc allowed Verstappen to secure a comfortable pole position. Despite struggling with balance issues throughout the weekend, Verstappen managed to clinch his third pole of 2024, setting a fastest lap time of 1m15.915s. Leclerc, who topped final practice and Q2, faced difficulties with a “really difficult to drive” Ferrari SF-24 in Q3, ultimately qualifying fifth. Returning from appendicitis surgery, Carlos Sainz impressed by securing a front-row start alongside Verstappen, while Sergio Perez and Lando Norris completed the top three. Challenges persisted for other drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, who was outqualified by his teammate George Russell for the fifth consecutive race weekend.
