This is the provisional starting grid for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen will start the Australian Grand Prix from pole position. The Dutchman was the fastest in qualifying. Carlos Sainz will start next to him on the front row, while Sergio Perez has lost his third spot to Lando Norris.

For a long time it did not look like Verstappen would secure pole in Australia, but in Q3 the Red Bull Racing driver was fastest again. Sainz surprised by immediately being the fastest driver over one lap after his surgery in Melbourne. Sainz will start from the front row of the grid on Sunday.

There was less good news for Sergio Perez. The Mexican qualified third but received a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Nico Hulkenberg in qualifying. As a result, Perez will start from P6. Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri took advantage.

It was a disappointing qualifying session for Mercedes. George Russell starts the Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit from seventh place. Lewis Hamilton has to start even further down. The seven-time world champion did not make it through to Q3 and, therefore, starts from the 11th position.

Provisional grid for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix