The race for pole position at the Australian Grand Prix confirmed the indications that emerged in tests and free practice. On the Melbourne circuit, Mercedes conquered the front row with a one-two: George Russell will start from pole position ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, 293 thousandths behind.
A result that highlights the advantage of the German team, which appeared particularly competitive also in relation to the new 2026 regulations, especially with regards to the management of hybrid engines.
Heavy gaps for the opponents
Behind the Mercedes the gap was significant. Isack Hadjar with Red Bull suffered almost eight tenths of a delay, while Charles Leclerc paid more than eight tenths.
The McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will start from the third row, with gaps of 862 and 957 thousandths respectively.
Hamilton seventh
Further back Lewis Hamilton, seventh in qualifying with a delay close to second from pole. Liam Lawson closes the top ten with Racing Bull, ninth, with a gap of almost a second and a half.
A qualifying which, according to Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur, represented “a chaotic first day at school”, but which has already highlighted the balance between the teams in the new season.