Formula 1 in Australia: Checo Pérez was quickly eliminated and Max Verstappen took pole

the Dutch Max Verstappenworld championship leader of Formula 1remained with the pole in the classification of Australian Grand Prix and, in this way, he will start from the first position this Sunday from 2 am (Argentina time) in the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne.

“We have a great racing car tomorrow, but it’s difficult to keep the tires alive. I want to win this time in AustraliaExcited Verstappen, who crossed the finish line fourth in the last edition in 2022.

The 25-year-old Red Bull driver, in the running for his third consecutive title, covered the 5,278-metre track in a time of 1:16,732. Just 236 thousandths later, the Englishman’s Mercedes crossed the finish line George Russellwho together with Verstappen will form the first starting row.

The other Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamiltonseven times F1 champion, finished third, while the Spaniard Fernando Alonso he finished fourth in his Aston Martin. Both, therefore, will start Sunday from the second row in the third of the 23 dates of the World Cup.

“I’m very happy with this. It’s totally unexpected, I’m very proud of the team. Being on the first two rows is a dream. I hope I can face Red Bull tomorrow. My goal for tomorrow is to finish first.“Hamilton said.

The other Spaniard Charles Sainz, for Ferrari, finished fifth. He will start from the third row next to the Canadian Lance Strollby Aston Martin.

The Monegasques will start from the fourth row charles leclerccolleague of Sainz at Ferrari, and the Thai Alex Albon (Williams), while the French will be in the fifth place Pierre Gasley (Alpine) and German Nico Hulkenberg (Haas).

Checo Pérez, quickly eliminated

Sergio “Checo” Perezwho is second in the World Cup, just one point behind teammate Verstappen, it was quickly eliminated due to an accident in the first round (Q1) of qualifying.

Specifically, the Mexican lost control of his Red Bull in the third of the 14 corners of the circuit. The crash forced a red flag to stop the lap, as a crane had to enter to remove the vehicle.