The brand new F1 season is here, and it starts with the traditional Australian Grand Prix at the iconic Albert Park on Sunday.
After losing to Red Bull last season, McLaren will look to put pressure on them from the opening race.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri made it a McLaren one-two in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton, who will be making his debut for Ferrari, finished eighth.
Max Verstappen was 0.385 seconds off the pace and will start in third, while Mercedes driver George Russell starts in fourth.
Australian Grand Prix: Where to watch
- Venue: Albert Park, Melbourne
- Date: Sunday, March 16
- Race start: 04:00 GMT
- Commentary: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live from 03:30.
- Live stream: Watch F1 action live here.
Qualifying results: Top 10
The top 10 in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix is as follows:
- Lando Norris – McLaren
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull
- George Russell – Mercedes
- Yuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls
- Alex Albon – Williams
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine
- Carlos Sainz – Williams
What the drivers said after qualifying
McLaren star Norris described qualifying as ‘perfect’, but he thinks the race will be a tricky test.
He said to Sky Sports: “It’s a perfect way to start the year. But it’s just qualifying. Let’s wait and see tomorrow. It will be a tricky race, but today was a perfect way to start.
“The car is extremely quick and, when you put it together, it’s unbelievable. But it’s difficult to put it together.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton had to use an extra set of soft tyres after a disappointing Q1.
Hamilton said: “I had a really good time out there today. Everything has been a first this weekend. My first practice sessions with Ferrari, my first qualifying.
“It’s been a lot of work to really adapt – this car is so much different here to what I’ve experienced in the past. But it’s been interesting.”
Australian Grand Prix: Prediction
Everyone expects McLaren to have faster cars after seeing them in testing. Based on qualifying, that assessment could be bang on the money.
Lando Norris to win the Australian Grand Prix.
