Max Verstappen claims another pole ahead of Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen claimed his third pole in a row of the season ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Dutchman was fastest in qualifying ahead of Carlos Sainz and teammate Sergio Perez.

Perez however will start Sunday’s race in sixth having received a three-place grid penalty for impeding.

Verstappen appeared to be struggling during free practices 1,2 on Thursday and Friday at the Australian Alber Park circuit.

After setting a time of 1m 16.048s in the first runs of Q3, Verstappen improved on his effort in the final laps with a 1m 15.915s.

]His final ‘moster lap’ put him 0.270s clear of Sainz, who had looked impressive in his first qualifying since returning following surgery for appendicitis two weeks ago.

Ferrari Charles Leclerc looked quick throughout the weekend and even during Q1 and Q2, he looked set for pole but only managed to place his car fifth in Q3.

Verstappen will start on the front row alongside Sainz in the Australian GP on Sunday.

The McLaren of Lando Norris and Leclerc occupy the second row.

Home favourite Oscar Piastri will start from fifth, ahead of Perez who was penalised.

Mercedes’ George Russell is in seventh and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda in eighth after a strong performance.

The Aston Martin duo of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso completed the top 10, with each having a moment during their laps in Q3.

Max Verstappen’s old rival Lewis Hamilton failed to reach Q3 and will start from 11th on the grid.

After the qualifying, Perez was pleased with how the car performed, although he dropped down the order.

MAX VERSTAPPEN FAVOURITE TO WIN AUSTRALIAN GP

“I believe we had the potential for more, we couldn’t complete that first sector.

It’s a shame that we have to start from the third row because of a penalty,” he said.

“The Australian fans are incredible, hope we can give them a great race,” said Perez.

The Australian GP starts at 06:00 on Sunday.