Q1 drama for Verstappen as Russell destroys the field in Australia

Russell finished eight tenths ahead of Hadjar. The Red Bull driver's teammate, Max Verstappen, was already eliminated in Q1 after a crash in the first corner. The Dutchman finished 20th as a result.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth, ahead of Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.

Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad finished eighth and ninth respectively, while Gabriel Bortoleto scored Audi's first Q3 appearance in Melbourne.

A second red flag was caused by Kimi Antonelli, who left the pit lane with a sidepod cooling fan still on his car in Q3. The incident was noted by the stewards.

Hamilton could not get a lap in on his first attempt in Q2, but in the end, the Briton got through safely. Alongside Nico Hulkenberg and Alexander Albon, both Haas and both Alpine drivers were eliminated.

For the first time since 2016, six drivers were already eliminated in the first session of qualifying.

The first red flag was caused by Verstappen after his rear axle locked into Turn 1 and he ended up in the barrier. The Dutchman was eliminated as a result without setting a lap time. Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll were also unable to set lap times..

Fernando Alonso was eliminated during the final moments thanks to Franco Colapinto. The Spaniard got knocked out together with the two Cadillac drivers, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

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