Lewis Hamilton improves as Charles Leclerc claims pole ahead of Max Verstappen at Australian Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Hamilton has struggled so far this season in his quest for a record eighth title but qualified in fifth in Melbourne

Philip Duncan
Saturday 09 April 2022 09:10 BST
Comments
Charles Leclerc impressed to take pole for Ferrari in Melbourne
Charles Leclerc impressed to take pole for Ferrari in Melbourne (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lewis Hamilton will start the Australian Grand Prix from fifth as Charles Leclerc secured pole position for Sunday’s F1 race.

Following an entertaining qualifying session in Melbourne – red-flagged on two occasions – Ferrari’s Leclerc took the spoils with Max Verstappen joining him on the front row.

Sergio Perez finished third in the other Red Bull, one place ahead of British driver Lando Norris in the McLaren. George Russell took sixth.

Hamilton’s bid for a record eighth crown has been derailed by his uncompetitive Mercedes machinery this season. The British driver is already 29 points behind championship leader Leclerc.

But after he qualified only 16th at the last round in Saudi Arabia before taking a sole point for finishing 10th, Hamilton will take some comfort from his improved grid slot here.

However, the Silver Arrows remain some way off rivals Red Bull and Ferrari, who have established themselves at the top of the class for 2022. Indeed Hamilton languished almost a second behind Leclerc.

The top 10 drivers were forced to change their visors for Q3 with the sun setting at Albert Park.

“Mate, I can’t see s*** with the sun,” said world champion Verstappen. “I am completely blinded.”

The final action was then delayed with just six minutes and 58 seconds remaining after Fernando Alonso crashed out.

The double world champion lost control of his Alpine through Turn 11, running into the gravel and then the tyre wall.

“I lost the hydraulics and could not change gear,” he said over the radio.

Alonso had just set the fastest middle sector of all, but will start no higher than 10th. A delay of 13 minutes followed as Alonso’s wounded machine was cleared from danger.

Earlier, the opening period was stopped for a quarter of an hour following a clumsy collision between Nicholas Latifi and Lance Stroll.

Nicholas Latifi did serious damage to his Williams after crashing with Lance Stroll
Nicholas Latifi did serious damage to his Williams after crashing with Lance Stroll (REUTERS)

With both men gearing up for a speedy lap, Stroll was caught unawares as Latifi made a move on his inside on the approach to Turn 6.

Contact was made, with Latifi sent spiralling into the wall. Aston Martin driver Stroll screamed: “**** Latifi, man. He’s just ****** hit me, man.”

Fellow Canadian Latifi said: “I don’t understand what he was doing. He wasn’t looking in his mirrors. The f****** car is destroyed.”

The suspension did allow the Aston Martin mechanics to complete their repair job on Sebastian Vettel’s machine – damaged in final practice.

Vettel completed one flying lap and qualified 18th, bumped up one spot on the grid following Alexander Albon’s three-place penalty for his collision with Stroll at the last round in Saudi Arabia.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in