Australian GP 2023 | Verstappen takes pole position for Red Bull, ahead of Mercedes 2-3

In the qualifying race for the Australian Grand Prix 2023, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured the pole position ahead of the much improved Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix on Saturday after teammate Sergio Perez came crashing back to earth with a brake failure that left him last on the grid.

Mercedes driver George Russell joins Verstappen on the front row for Sunday's race at Albert Park after qualifying second ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen saved his best for late, roaring around the lakeside circuit in one minute and 16.732 seconds, over two-tenths of a second quicker than Russell.

"I think the last run was very good," Verstappen said, celebrating his first pole at Albert Park.

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"It all worked out in Q3."

Hamilton was thrilled Mercedes had bridged the pace to Red Bull, who won both the opening races in the Middle East.