MELBOURNE, Australia — Mercedes started the Formula 1 campaign strong with a sweep of the front row during qualifying for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.
George Russell sealed pole position for the first race of the season, beating teammate Kimi Antonelli in a captivating first qualifying session with this season’s new regulations.
Russell was out front throughout qualifying, turning a stunning final effort of one minute and 18.418 seconds on the Albert Park course.
“It was a great day,” Russell said. “We knew there was a lot of potential in the car, but until you get to this first Saturday of the season you never know.
“It really came alive this afternoon, especially when the track temp cooled – we know we sort of tend to favor those conditions.
“I’m also really happy to have Kimi here next to me as well because it’s been such a hard job from all the team to deliver this car and they did an amazing job in the garage as well today, so all in all a really good day.”
Antonelli was second with a one minute and 18.811-second lap.
Isack Hadjar will start third, while his teammate, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, crashed during Q1.
Charles Leclerc qualified fourth for Ferrari, with McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fifth and sixth, respectively.
Gabriel Bortoleto was 10th for the new Audi team, while the Cadillacs of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas were 18th and 19th.
